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Manawatu Times, Volume II, Issue 47, 31 March 1877, Page 2

The Manawatu Bridge which is shortly .to connect this township with the Pitzherbe.rton Block, and form the nucleus of a main road through a fertile district is a matter of 'no small interest to residents m and "settlers around Palmerston \ and it is 'one of -vital importance to those settlers who have already taken •up laud m the Pitzherberton Block. -.:■ Without such a connecting link Pal- a merston would lose much m not being able to profit by the development of settlement on the other side of the Manawatu, and the settlers alreadyon that land would be still, greater losers m being comparatively cut off from communication with any market town — having at best a precarious and hazardous means of transit at their disposal. This being the case, it ie gratifying to all interested to know that thewoi*k of building this bridge is m excellent hands, and. that good progress is being made from day to day m the construction of the several sections which are ultimately to form one complete structure df immense strength and durability. It is some time since we noticed the progress of these works, -but on Wednesday last an opportunity was afforded us of visiting the scene of operations and we were not only surprised at the progress made, but were much pleased to notice the substantial and m every respect creditable manner m which the work was being performed. The bridge when finished will be 805 I feet long, and will consist of seven main spans of 85 feet and seven smaller spans as approaches of 30 feet. These latter are all' complete, as are also two of the main ones. The driving of the piles has been extremely hard m some of the piers, but notwithstanding this fact we .understand that this portion of the work would have been finished, two months ago had it not been for the constant freshets m the river during the months, of November and December last. Owing to these freshets the work had to be suspended for some considerable time, and upon one occasion the diiving plant and a large quantity of timber was carried down the river a considerable distance. The plant after some delay was secured, but very little of the. timber, was recovered. There are now only eight piles to drive, and when these are m, the most difficult part of the work may be said to be over. Most of the ■piles have been driven a distance of from 18 to 20 feet, and this through a bed of .natural cement several feet m •thickness. Mr J. D. Baird on his last visit pf official inspection expressed himself as being highly pleased at the state of the work,, and the way m which it was being carried on. The contractors were lucky m getting such a proficient man as Mr George Hughes, the present foreman, who is well known as an energetic bridge builder ; and m having the direction of so efficient an engineer as Mr E. T. Miller, the local inspector of the works. Indeed we feel assured that the work when completed will reflect credit on the contractors and all concerned m its accomplishment. It is expected that foot passengers will be able to cross m about 3 weeks from the present time; and if the weather proves favorable that, the bridge will be out of the contractors' hands m three and a half months or thereabouts.