ALEXANDRA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 950, 2 July 1880, Page 3

ALEXANDRA.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) The works in connection with the bridge here are progressing most favourably, and to my unprofessional eyes they are of a moat substantial and honest character, and most creditable to the contractors. Both piers are now up to the road line, and the shore abutment on the western bank is being pushed on towards completion. Preparations are also going on apace for driving the piles for the foundation of the approach to the east pier, and as all the piles are on the ground, the day should not be far distant when the work of driving will be commenced. For this work a steam engine will be employed, the original idea of a water wheel being abandoned. A very pleasing ceremony in connection with the structure took place here the other day, namely, the presentation of an illuminated address, accompanied by a purse of sovereigns (one hundred, I believe) to Mr M. J. M‘Ginnis, the member for Earnscleugh Riding in the 'County Council, for his general advocacy in favour of this part of the district, and especially for his strenuous advocacy and exertions for the bridge. The whole affair was got up and carried out in a quiet unostentatious manner, and up to the eve of the presentation was not known to the receiver—it accordingly took the shape of a surprise and was the more acceptable. As a rule I'set my face most determinedly against presentations, as many are unnecessary and Uncalled for, but this was an exception to the rule, and I derived equal pleasure and satisfaction as if I had been the recipient. There is no gainsaying the fact that for a number of years past, both inside and outside tbe County Council, Mr M‘Ginnis has been a staunch and determined friend to the district, and he richly deserved something in recognition of his services. The current wheel dredge (M'Kenzie, Eraser, and M‘Leod) continues steadily at work and is highly remunerative. Considering that the river has kept of late at a high level this is satisfactory, and should the river but fall to anything approaching ordinary winter level great tilings are expected. The experience so far is that there is room to- 1 half-a-dozen more at least of these dredges, and it is to bo hoped the day is not far distant when the enterprise will be taken up. The town is looking ju-t now particularly brisk, and the general activity indicates a confidence in the future, Buildings are springing up. several private dwellings, and a now stone shop and dwelling for a blacksmith is being put up in the business part of the town. There is already one (» m. Eraser), and as ho does not appear to have more work than he can undertake, I scarcely see how a second will pay. The fencing in and planting the recreation ground has often been mooted, and as this is just the season for this kind of work I do not think it at all out of place here to refer to it. A nice piece of ground contiguous to the town, fenced in and planted with trees, would be a comfort and a blessing, and steps should ho taken to at once get it clone. The Corporation having a good credit balance have no possible excuse for neglecting what would prove so great a benefit.