HAWKESBURY.

North Otago Times, Volume II, Issue 40, 24 November 1864, Page 3

HAWKESBURY.

The bridge at Waikouaiti was formally opened on Monday, the 14th inst., as noticed in our last issue. We are favored by Mr Bruce, the contractor, with the following particulars in regard to the structure, which we give the more willingly as no really accurate description has hitherto been published. The bridge as erected stands on nineteen tiers of piles, five bearing piles in each; fourteen centre piers have additional stay piles. They are driven at a skew angle of 620 54' with the line of the bridge to an average depth of lift 6in into schist rock. The total length of bridge is 290 feet; length of railing, 346 feet; width of roadway, 18ft 6in ; height from low water mark, 17ft; height of railing, sft, which add* greatly to the strength by the manner in which it js constructed, as well as improving the appearance. The structure is composed of 10,550 pieces ot material (wood and iron), measuring in length 5£ miles, and weighing 800 tons. It will, without rupture, carry 2,300 tons deadweight. At the opening ceremonj', luncheon was generously provided for the parties present by Mr Hopkinson, of the Golden Fleece Hotel; and in the evening Mr Bruce entertained a number of gentlemen to dinner at the Golden Fleece. The chair was occupied by J. T. Thomson, Esq., chief engineer of the Province, Mr Bruce being vicechairman. The delays which were interposed in the contractor's way were explained by him in his speech, returning thanks for his health. He said that "he had had a very cross beginning; having had too many masters he had failed to please tbem all—a consequence of the want of practical knowledge in reference to works of the kind shown by some of them. Indeed, in pile driving, it is often impossible to keep them in their true position and properly plumb, to the last fall of the ram. It ia an easy matter to put them straight on paper, but erecting them so is an impossibility when the ground is irregular — hence the disputes and stoppages of the work. The Government latterly sent up Mr Swyer to heal the breach, and that gentleman's remark was that they had been making a midge a mountain. He suggested one or two alterations, appointed Mr Knox, a practical inspector, and with combined effort the work had bgen completed, and he was proud to say to the satisfaction of Mr Thomson."

The delays alluded to, extending to about three months in al), subjected Mr Bruce to heavy loss in time and wages, and having been caused by no fault of his, Ec has a just and legal claim on the Government for compensation. His claim (upwards of L 500) has been given in, arid as the Government engineers are satisfied with the work and disapproved of the unnecessary stoppages, we believe that the claim will be favorably entertained.