THE NEW PONTOON BRIDGE.

Kumara Times, Issue 496, 30 April 1878, Page 2

THE NEW PONTOON BRIDGE.

Some months since we report, d in these, columns the loss, during a heavy fresh in the Teremakau, of Messrs Keech and Molloy’s punt; and from that time to the present the necessity of a bridge or other means of communication available for coach or dray traffic with the opposite side of the river has been prominently brought before our readers on several occasions. At last the long-wished-for desideratum has been supplied, and the main north road will shortly be open—thanks to the indefatigable energy displayed by Messrs Keech and Molloy,- who, undaunted by the heavy expense entailed (combined /with the-faet-tHat there is tjvery probability of the Qovernmeut very shortly erecting a bridge over the river), have had constructed a new pmtoon bridge of a far superior description. to the one originally in use; and although entirely of local manufacture, it will, we believe, I tear favourable comparison with any work of a similar kind in the colony. Tho new “pontoon ; bridge. is composed of. t -two boats fastened together by powerful cross ties, with a distance of about “dblirfceeh'ieet between the sides. Over this and the boats is built a platform 44'feet long, with a landing stage of 13 feet at each end. The dimensions of each boat are —Length . over all, 60 feet; beam, 10 feet; depth, 2 feet 6 inches; The linest and most suitable timber procurable has been used -throughout in their construction, the • whole of the framing being of black birch, the planking of kauri, and the | decks of silver pine. When thoroughly j finished the carrying capacity of the | bridge will be about 20 tuns, drawing | 2ft. 6in in the water. The plans were | prepared by Mr W. Wilson, of Grevi mouth, under whose supervision the whole of the work has been carried out in so creditable and efficient a manner. The total cost of the bridge when completed will, we are informed, exceed i £750.

Should the weather prove favourable, the pontoon is expected to be in working order at the latter end of this week, and, judging from the energetic manner in which one of the firm was giving the finishing touches din ing our visit, there is every probability of it being ready for service by that time.