BRIDGING THE KOWAI.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1819, 19 December 1879, Page 4

BRIDGING THE KOWAI.

In accordance with a resolution passed at a public meeting, held at the Kowai Puss, on the 3rd instant, re the construction of a traffic bridge near the Kowai bush, a conference of the Road Boards immediately interested was held at the East Malvern Road Board office, Sheffield, on Monday evening. '.Che following ■were present ns representatives : —Eor Malvern : Messrs Radfern,'Joyce, and Mcllraith. Eor East Malvern : Messrs J. A. Mcllraith, Rossiter, Searlo, and Barr. Eor South Malvern: Messrs Mcllraith and Josephs. On the motion of Mr J. A. Mcllraith, Mr Redfern was elected chairman of the meeting. The (,’hairman stated that the object of the * meeting that evening was to consider the proposal for building a bridge from the Big Bush across the .Kowai river, and to find out what assistance would bo given by the several Road Boards, as they wore equally interested. The public meeting held at Kowai Pass considered that great improvements were required at the crossing of this river. He estimated the cost at about £3OOO, and it was beyond the funds of the Malvern Road Board to undertake the work without some material assistance from the other Boards. Mr Joyce suggested an improved crossing by driving piles, and catting them off level with the general level of the river-bed and planking them a certain depth. Ha thought that a good crossing could be made in this way. Mr J. A. Mcllraith road a letter from Mr McMillan, who was unable to attend, also one from Mr Munson, apologising for his absence. Mr Mcllraith said he did not consider that the East Malvern Road Board could expend the funds of the Road district out of that district; and ho might say that he could get better and more conveniently supplied from Oxford. Mr Joyce urged the advisability of petitioning the Sslwyn County Council to take the road over and improve the crossing. The Chairman, in answer to Mr Rossiter, said that it was proposed to erect the bridge at Gillander’s cutting. Mr Barr objected to the Eist Malvern district taking any part in the matter. Mr Rossiter would not like to throw cold water on the scheme, and would suggest that the County Council consider the matter, and at the same time that they should furnish the County Council with particulars as to traffic, amount of good timber, and agricultural land to be opened up by improving the road. The Chairman stated that the lower road would require a bridge forty-five chains long. Mr Josephs said he would agree to the Selwyn County Council giving a grant in aid of the project, and deducting the amount from the Road Boards, who would thus contribute to the work iu an indirect manner. It was proposed by Mr J. A. Mcllraith, and seconded by Mr J. P. Barr—“ That it is inconvenient for the East and South Malvern Road Boards to expend any of their funds in bridging the Kowai River, being out of tho aforesaid districts.” It was proposed, as an amendment, by Mr Josephs, and seconded by Mr Rossiter—- “ That this meeting recommend to tho County Council to take into consideration the necessity of giving a grant in aid of making and maintaining tho cuttings and crossings to the Big Bush, through the Kowai River.” Tho original resolution was carried, A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.