BRIDGE OVER THE RAKAIA AT DOBBIN’S FORD.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2647, 30 September 1882, Page 4

BRIDGE OVER THE RAKAIA AT DOBBIN’S FORD.

A public meeting was held in the Town Hall, Bonthbridge, on Thursday afternoon, to consider what steps should be adopted to taka advantage of the grant in aid, and to further the construction of the bridge under the Beads and Bridges Construction Act. There was a large attendance of residents from both sides of the river. Mr B. G. Staveley was voted to the chair. He said it was an acknowledged fact that a bridge over the Bakaia at Dobbin’s Ford would bo of incalculable benefit to residents both on this and the other side of the river. The scheme had been talked of for some considerable time past, but no decided action had been taken in the matter. Now was the time to strike and take advantage of the grant in aid. In fact, tbs present meeting was in reality to decide what description of bridge would be most suitable to the requirements of the district. He would be glad to hear an expression of opinion from anyone present on the subject, and place any resolution before the meeting for approval or otherwise. Mr B. G. Lee, chairman of the Selwyn County Council, addressed the meeting at considerable length. Messrs Dobson and Sons had carefully examined the river for the best site for a bridge, and were of decided opinion that the part of the river known as Dobbin’s ford was the most suitable. They had prepared throe separate estimates for bridges—Nos. 1,2 and 3. No. 1. For combined railway and traffic bridge, at a cost of £36,640. No. 3. A traffic bridge, extending from bonk to bank, £30,450. No. 3. For traffic bridge over all the principal streams and old courses available for traffic, except in time of floods, £21,800.

The Chairman read the report of subcommittee appointed at the last meeting. The report was as follows : 1. The committee are of opinion that the work can ba best carried out under the provisions of the Beads and Bridges Construction Aot. 2. That the Eelwyn and Ashburton Comity Councils should be requested to take the necessary steps to forward the work under the Aot. 3. And that, as under the Beads and Bridges Construction Aot the Government undertake to provide three-fourths of the coat of construction, and to allow fourteen years for payment of the remaining fourth at a low rate of interest, not exceeding 5 per cent., by annual payments of principal and interest together, your committee believe the requisite proportion to bo found locally could be easily raised by levying a small toll for using the bridge, in place of direct taxation. The committee are farther inf opinion that contractors could be found who would undertake the work upon this basis ; the adjustment of tolls and tenure of lease to be arranged by the County Councils interested. On the motion of Mr Hanna, seconded by Mr Eandall, the report as read was adopted. Proposed by Mr li. V. Desborough, and seconded by Mr J. A. Bandall—“ That this meeting strongly approves of the resolutions passed at the public meeting held at Kyle on Tuesday last, and will combine with the residents there to carry them out. 1 ' Carried unanimously. Proposed by Mr Wm. Gabble, seconded by Mr Osborne —“ That a deputation, consisting of Mots; s A. B. Inwood, J. Osborne, J, Bennie, B. G. Staveley, and the mover, be appointed to lay the claims of the proposed work before the Ellesmere Boad Board, and request their assistance towards the work. That the same deputation be requested to wait on the Selwyn County Council for the same purpose.” Carried unanimously. Proposed by Mr B. S. Webb, seconded by Mr S. Wauchop—“ That this meeting is of opinion that a traffic bridge costing about £3O 000 would meet the present requirements.”

The following amendment WBBjproposcd by Mr W. Gsbbie, seconded by Mr A. Cameron —“ That the lowest of Mr Dobsou’e estimates should be adopted. As a further amendment Mr Osborne proposed, Mr O. Wilson seconded—•• That this meeting is of opinion that a sum not exceeding £30,000 should be expended as far as it will go in constructing a bridge suitable for both traffic and railway purposes.” In answer to a question Mr Osborne stated that he considered that £6OOO would be a efficient to make the necessary additions for railway traffic if required. With the consent of the chairman Messrs Webb and Gabble withdrew their resolution and amendment, and Mr Osborne’s amendment was put to the meeting in the form of a resolution and carried unanimously. Mr B. S. Webb proposed, Mr J. Osborne seconded —“That a vote of thanks bo accorded to Sir John Hall and Messrs Ivoac and White, M.H.R.’e, for their exertions in aid of the scheme.” Carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meetirg.