THE WHIROKINO BRIDGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3768, 11 June 1907, Page 3

THE WHIROKINO BRIDGE.

Lengthy discussion by the Council. No confidence In the Engineer A letter was read from the Clerk of the Manawatu County Council at last night’s Borough Council meeting in reference to carrying out repairs to the above mentioned bridge. The County is the controlling body. The Borough Council’s proportion of cost of upkeep is Vi . The county desired the Council to provide its quota of cost without delay in order that the work might be carried out expeditiously. The Mayor explained that he had been in communication with the Chairman of the County, who informed him that Mr Fulton’s estimate of the cost of repairs would be £9OO an increase of on the engineer’s previous estimate. The question of how the money was to be raised was introduced by Cr Baker.—The Mayor said he and the Clerk had looked up the Acts and he was of opinion that a loan could be raised by special order. But to make doubly sure it would be advisable to strike the same general rate as last year, is gd in the £ instead of is 6d as was intended. In this case the estimates wodld have to be amended. Cr Hickson said it was only a matter of time, he could not say how long, when the bridge would goCr Hennessy : ‘ ‘ Have you been to the bottom to inspect the piles ?” (laughter.) Cr Hickson synically continued that he was surprised the bridge had lasted so long. Observation had taught him that cylinder bridges were the most suitable for rivers such as the Manawatu. Cr Frankland hoped the money could be raised by way of loan. They did not want the finances of the Council crippled as was the case with the erection of culverts, which work had to be paid out of ordinary revenue. / Cr Hennessy severely criticised * the designer and engineer of the bridge, Mr Fulton. His confidence in the engineer was shaken. On two previous occasions the engineer had effected repairs and on the last occasion the Council was informed that the repairs would be lasting. Now, the engineer had given an estimate of repairs which totalled a fifth .of the original cost of the bridge. He suggested that another engineer should be consulted. Cr Baker concurred. It would, however, be better to effect the repairs rather that have to bear the cost of a new bridge. The cost could not in his opinion be met out of ordinary revenue. The Mayor was in favour of employing another engineer and be referred to the previous work carried out by the present engineer If the proposed loan was not in order the extra 3d rate would only return the Council £IOO. The Clerk then read the Acts dealing with the subject. Cr Wilson endorsed the Mayor’s remarks.

Cr Frankland moved, and Cr I)aker seconded, That this Council yapply to the Treasury tor a loan of towards defraying Council’s share of expenses in connection with proposed repairs to Whirikino bridge, necessitated by the damage caused by the recent heavy flooods. —Carried. Cr Henessy moved and Cr Baker seconded, That the Manawatu County Council be advised that this Council does not approve of Mr Fulton’s services for repairs to Whirokino. bridge, damaged by floods, otherwise it approves of the work being carried out as required.—Carried.