OPENING WAIHO BRIDGE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 June 1927, Page 4

OPENING WAIHO BRIDGE

HEARTY SOUTHERN CEREMONY. Tin- King’s Birthday was celebrated very happily in South Westland on Friday by the opening of the fine new suspension bridge spanning the \Yaiho river, and the National Anthem was sung in honour of the occasion by the assemblage. The gaod folk of the district augmented by many visitors Irom various parts, assembled at 2..T0 p.m.. when Mr .1. A. .Murdoch. County Chairman, presided, and referred to she splendid structure the people saw before them. Il was a line type of bridge of a new design in suspension bridges for which two New Zealand engineers were responsible. The southern route justified the expenditure involved in the bridge and lie congratulated the settlers on at last being accommodated with so necessary a. work for their comfort and conveniences. The bridge would last a long time and would ho a permanent link in the transport between North and Mouth Westland. Mr Murdoch expressed thanks to the Government for •allying out the work and called on the Member for Westland (Atr Seddoll) who had been actively concerned in urging the const ruction of the bridge, to address them.

DESCRIPTION OF AYAIITO RIYER SUSPENSION BRIDGE.

Length. 300 feet between tower centres; width, 10 feet C inches between guard rails; total estimated cost, £13,770; total cost of construction. £12,740; cost of bridge only. £12,351: cost of approaches, £305; suspended weight of bridge, 150 tons; total suspended weight loaded up to rapacity. 300 tons; bridge designed to carry a series of 8 ton wagons or a total moving load of 150 tons; weight of steel work including cables, 121 tons ; bridge comprises two 150 feet span steel trusses hinged at centres and on sliding plates at ends; .stringers of mixed Australian hardwoods; decking and handrail system in local timbers; bridge carried oil eight (8) steel wire cables each G.l inches circumference suitable for a combined breaking load of 1320 tons; quantity of concrete in abutments and anchorages G2() cubic yards; bridge designed and detailed drawings prepared V Public AVorks Department.

Mr Seddon apologised for the absence of the Minister of Public Works, who had deputed him as Member lor the District, to open the bridge. He referred to bis personal efiorts to secure a vote for the bridge, the first grant of £IOOO appearing on the Estimates in ]922-23. Mr Seddon then proceeded to give the official description of the structure tjnoted above. Continuing his remarks Mr Seddon mentioned that when be became their member bridges appeared to be the essential need of the south. The llig Waitnha alone had been bridged. Since then the Wataroa, Big Wanganui, Little Wanganui, Little Waitnha Waitnngi rivers had been bridged all with structures of considerable magniture. Tn addition many of the smaller streams had been or were being bridged, and they would be glad to know that Dry Creek bridge would be ready for traffic in about four months’ time. The improved means of connection were necessary for the settlers who had done so much to pioneer the district. Another sign of progress was the fine halls the settlors were erecting. He wished them all continued success, and said he would be glad at all times to do what be could to advance their interests. Dr Teiehelmann. President of the Westland Progress League, said no one was more happv nor proud than he at the occasion of their gathering. Ho felt they were indebted to the Government tor what had been done. He congratulated the settlers whose good work in the past had mack- the bridge a necessity now. Mr G. A. Perry, Mayor of Hokitika, considered the structure a credit to the Public Works Department. The bridge would afford the means for speedy and safe transport. He congratulated all concerned on the provision of something for their conventeiice and comfort, and something which would add greatly to the prosperity of the district.

Air W. Senile. M.C.C.. apologised for the unavoidable absence ol tr. Jeffries. He endorsed the congratulatory remarks with regard to the bridge, and hoped in the near future something would he possible to improve the main road by easing had corners and grades. Air Chinn. Af.C.t .. and Afr Ohesterman, AI.C..C. also spoke, the former moving a vote , of thanks to the Government for the erection ol the bridge and the lattei seconding the motion, and regretting the late Air Grimnioiid who had taken so much interest in bridging the AVaiho was not with them to see the good work accomplished. The motion was carried bv acclamation. Afr Seddon said he felt it a great honour to perform the opening ceremony, and he had much pleasure in declaring the bridge open for traffic. In doing so he asked Afrs James Graham to out the ribbon which was done to hearty cheers. A vote of thanks was carried to Mr Sodden with musi-

cal honours, after which Mr A. Graham invited the assemblage to afternoon tea served at the AVaiho Hotel by Messrs Graham and the settlers—a generous spread being provided.