The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1933. OF LOCAL CONCERN.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1933. OF LOCAL CONCERN.

It is understood representations have been made to the Railway Department in respect to the precarious position of the centre spans of the Hokitika railway bridge. The main body of the water in the river has been going to sea by way o'f the centre channel, and this has had an undermining effect on the piles carrying the centre spang. When tho bridge was erected some thirty years ago the centre section of tiro structure traversed what was virtually an overflow channel, and the piles were ,not of the same length as these driven in the then main channels, The effect now is for the centre section to stow less stability, This was very marked at- the late high flood about three weeks ago. Timber piled up under >he shorter spans and there was heavy pressure on the bridge. The structure swayed with the surge of the water, and actually the- railway rails were forced out of line. Railway traffic was suspended temporarily. Remedial measures to hold the bridge were promptly taken. As on a previous occasion 'large quantities of quarried stone wore dumped in the river in and about the piles. One aspect of these measures is the turbulence created in floods, and the •heavy scour which results. On Wednesday when the river was in light flood the water surged about the centre piers with great force, due no doubt to the obstruction caused by the heavy stone. This disturbance must continue to have an undermining effect with the result that the shorter piles will be further imperilled. A more effective remedy, it is generally held, l would be to encourage the river to return in greater volume to the main or wharf stream. To a small extent this is being done naturally at present, and it would not- take a great deal to encourage as larger and more fiustaineod flow. The eflect of this on the berthage at the wharf would bo important also, uml assist in encouraging more shipping to the port. Another danger point affecting valuable land, fs the increasing stream on the south side. This water is finding a channel by an old course, and in doing so is eroding valuable settlement land. It- would be feasible to block the channel with a stonbank, as was suggested some time ago, hut the problem is becoming more costly as time goes on. In addition to farm land being destroyed, the south approach to tho bridge may fce affected, and the aeroplane landing will be in danger to some extent also. There are other adverse contingencies also, and the sooner the situation is investigated and remedial measures adopted the better to -save valuable estate. Folk will be very anxious to see the railway bridge made secure. It is an important link for all the south trade, and with the timber industry developing in that quarter, it would be a serious matter to see the prospects interrupted by any serious damage to the bridge. As the matter stands there is a good deal of local concern, and the authorities are expected to move in such a way as to allay the current alarm. The situation is of the greatest importance to tlie town and district and there should not be undue delay in dealing witn the position.