ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. NEW HUTT BRIDGE. To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume II, Issue 74, 7 March 1846, Page 3

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE . NEW HUTT BRIDGE. To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator.

Sir, — The spot at which I hear the new bridge is to be thrown across the Hutt, namely, about one hundred yards below the present bridge, is, I am assured, unapproachable from either side during a flood, and consequently, if this be true, communication with the valley during such periods will be wholly prevented. The site originally proposed is, I am also assured, confirmed by experience to be the very best, for all that is sought can there be attained, and with the least possible deviation from a direct line. The site to which I allude is about a mile above the present, bridge, and is between the section known a* Mr. Dorset's, situated on the town side of the Hutt, and Mr. Swainson's farm on the other side of the river. This is considered the bbestt t because it is stated that the floods always occur in the valley below and never above that spot ; and further, because a road to communicate with a bridge at the site in question could be made at a very trifling expense, under the hill on the town side of the Hutt, which can never be affected in the smallest degree by floods. If these statements be true, by selecting 1 the site in question communication between Wellington and all the valley above Mr. Swainson's would at all times be secured, a matter of much importance, especially when the probability of a large settle* ment in the Wairarapa is considered, continued communication with which will be defeated by locating the bridge at the spot stated to have been selected by the Government. The plan I hear is upon the American selfsupporting principle, and the bridge is to Be housed over with a shingle roof and close boarded sides. To the principle I have no objection to offer, having always maintained that it would be found very suitable upon which to build bridges across rivers of the Hutt description. But housing the bridge is in my opinion a very questionable proceeding. I have always been under the impression that the object sought in housing the bridges in America is not to protect them against decay, though that object too is attained, but to render them passable* in the winter season, by preventing their being so choked with mow as to become dangerbn* to crow

'over, which would frequently Tie the case lacking protection of the kind. Subject as the valley ■is to frequent, violent, and continuous gusts of -wind, following the course of the Hutt, I suggest that the top lumber, as the sailors call it, would be found at an early pesiod to cause the bridge to work violently and before long lead to its total destruction. I trust his Excellency will cause a report to. be made him on the two points set forth ; namely, the best site for the bridge, and as to the wisdom of housing over a bridge unsupported Dy arches, and thrown over a river in a valley subject to frequent violent gusts of wind. In conclusion I would remark that the public interest and common justice suggest the propriety of throwing open to competition, furnishing suitable plans for public works of the kind •under consideration, and that together with the plans, reasons for their proposal should also be 'required. I am, &c, S.Tt. Wellington, March 5, 1846.