NEWS AND NOTES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 4036, 31 December 1929, Page 1

NEWS AND NOTES.

The English 1 scientists now in the Dominion investigating -cold storage problems in cbnnecticlp with meat have recently been in Hastings. Further investigations are to be made at OSTgahauranga, and early next year experimental shipments will be sent to England. These will be in charge of one of the scientists who -will closely observe the meat throughout the voyage. Loss of weight and loss of bloom in frozen meat are two of the several problems to which the scientists are giving their attention.

Letters of ere cl it on various banks are well known as boons to travellers, but it is not- generally known that this system is in force at the Post Office Saving's Bank (says the 'Christchurch Times). There are many people who about this time visit the Savings Bank and draw therefrom twenty pounds or thereabouts to cover a trip over Christmas. It would save them the trouble and anxiety of carrying a sum of money with them if they -simply got a letter of credit from the Savings Bank. That would enable them -to draw on any Post Office they met with on their travels. It is possible to get a letter of credit to any' amount that is deposited in the Savings Bank, with, a £SO limit.

A new bridge is to be built over

the Manawafu Ri\er at the \\ roocivil le end of the gorge to replace the existing bridge, which ,has served for 54 years. The new biridge will

be a reinforced concrete structure, and is to be built about 30 feet further up-stream. The work, which is estimated to cost about £20,000, is being undertaken by the Main Highways Board. The existing bridge was built in 1875, the main-span of 102 feet being of composite construction, timber and steel. 'There are five approach spans of 40 feet each. Considering

its age, it is still in a good state of preservation, and though it is able to cany a large amount of ordinary motor traffic it cannot stand up to the strain of modern motor traffijc of the heavy type involving loads of six to twelve tons. For a considerable time past it has been closed to loads exceeding three tons. The new bridge, will have four main spans of reinforced con- ' Crete arches, each of 80 feet, with short approaching spans, making a total length of 400 feet, which is approximately the length of the present bridge. It will have, reinforced concrete decking and handrails, and the roadway will he 20 feet wide. It is expected that work will he started <*n the foundations for the piers early in the Hew Year. The entire work will take about twelve months to complete.