Orona (Aorangi) Bridge Inquiry

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 99, 18 February 1892, Page 3

Orona (Aorangi) Bridge Inquiry

(Continued from last issue). While under cross-examination by Mr Grant, Mr Bailey and his examiner sand-papered each other a little without advancing much the subject of the inquiry. Mr Grant having made a remark ridiculing the idea of the ford being dangerous, the witness said ho would like to see him in the river when it was up. With regard to the cost of the brid<*p, lie was of opinion the whole should be borne by the Manawatu Board. " Take that down," said Mr Grant, "I wish to show what this witness thinks of it." " Yes," said Mr Bailey, " they haye taxed us for the last fifteen years and nevi-r spent a single penny." Mr Grant, " Take that down." Question : " Is there anything that would iniuce a settler down nf the Oroua bridge to come up and use this bridge?" Answer: "Yes, to see hi.s rela'ions." Mr Grant : " Take that tljjwn " Question : "Do you think anyone from Palmerston would use this bridge? " Answer : " Yes, if they wanted to." Mr Patrick Desmond, manager for Mr Turner, g.ivc evidence to sliott the benefit rvsidnils on Cameron's line, where he resided, who were mostly small holders, woulJ derive from the bridge. Mr W. Mcxtcd, gave evidence to show the advantage the bridge would be to stock owners. Mr it. S, Abraham, member of the firm of Stevens and Gorton, was next. examined. He saia that a good many of the settlers on the east side of the river regularly attended the sales of the firm iield at Feilditig, therefore the bridge wouM be a great convenience to them. The Commissioner: It is sought to make the four Local Bodies named contribute to this bridge, do you consider the proposed bridge would be of considerable benefit to the inhabitants of all thpse districts? The witness replied that the work was of more importance to the Manchester Koad Board and the Feilding Borough than the other bodies but he was unable to give an opinion as to how the cost should be apportioned. Mr C. Br.iy, engineer to the Kiwitaa and Manchester Road Boards, was examined. He said that there were six roads leading into the Feilding-Bunny-thorpe road, I c ween the Oroua and Bunnythorpe- The distance from Feild« to Palmerston, over the bridge site and by Bunnythorpe, was 11^ miles, and by the Awahuri bridge 13s- miles. From Awahuri to the Gorge by way of Menzie's bridge was 19j miles, by way of the pro. posed bridge 18£ miles, and by way of the Awahuri bridge 16^ miles. The court then adjourned.