THE WHIROKINO BRIDGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 395, 28 March 1908, Page 3

THE WHIROKINO BRIDGE.

Conference Held Yesterday. The above bridge is now placed under the control of the Manawatu County Council, who are responsible for its upkeep, the cost of which is borne -proportionately by the Foxton Borough Council, Manawatu and Horowhenua County Councils. During last year’s heavy floods a scour took place round some of the piles, and fears were entertained for the safety of the bridge. Mr Fulton, engineer, was asked to inspect and report on the structure, which he did, recommending the driving of fresh piles, etc., at a cost of about ,£9OO. The Manawatu County ordered the timber necessary at a cost of ,£240. In the meantime piles silted up again to normal level, and the contemplated work was hung up. It was subsequently decided to arrange a conference between the local bodies interested, at the bridge, to definitely decide what should be done. The conference met yesterday at noon, there being present; —The Mayor (B. G. Gower Esq.), and Grs G. Coley, Gray, Heunessy, Wilson, and the Clerk (Foxton Borough Council); Chairman Wilson, Engineer Hickford and the Clerk (Manawatu County Council) ; Chairman Richards, Cr Davies, and Engineer Malcolm (Horowhenua County Council); and Mr James Fulton, civil engineer, who designed and supervised the erection of the bridge. A general iusbection of structure took place, and it was finally unanimously decided to drive fresh piles, cap and paint the bridge. The engineer estimated the cost of the work at ,£9OO, and Engineet Fulton was authorised to call tenders for the work. The cost of the repairs will be borne in equal proportion by the three local bodies above mentioned.