BLACKBALL BRIDGE

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1926, Page 2

BLACKBALL BRIDGE

WELLINGTON, June 17.

A serious allegation against a former contractor for the erection of the Blackball Bridge was mentioned by Mr Holland, leader of the Opposition, in the course of an urgent question to the Prime Minister. He reminded the House that this bridge had been twice destroyed by floods and it was very creditable to the Government staff that the reliant repairs had been so expeditiously carried out. A statement had been made to him some years ago, lie continued, which lie did not dare to use at the time because it could not then be proved. “This bridge was built twenty years ago,” he continued, “and it is alleged the contractor, instead of drivb*" the piles fully, used in some cases lv> > saw them off nine feet, eleven feet and fourteen feet, instead of driving them. A fresh statement lias been made to the effect that the damage done by the flood reveals that this statement is correct. I do not know whether it is so, and I ask the Prime Minister if he will cause the strictest investigation to he made into the statements, and if they are correct that legal action he ta'ken.” Mr Holland added that the bridge was a railway os well as a, traffic bridge, and that heavy coal trains with passenger carriages attached passed over it. • Mr Coates replied that the bridge was built twenty three years ago. and he would have to consult his colleague, the Minister of Public "Works, regarding the request. He would have no objection to an inquiry, but he could not guarantee that legal action could now he taken. Mr Holland: The contractor is still alive,