The Taruheru Bridge.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 932, 6 April 1881, Page 3

The Taruheru Bridge.

The first pile of this structure was driven yesterday morning, at about a quarter past 7 o’clock. Everything having been placed in order, the “ monkey ” was duly hoisted, and falling, struck the pile the first blow. Several persons were present, and congratulations exchanged between all at the initiatory practical step towards the desired connection between Gisborne and Whataupoko. Messrs. Connor and Da,vis, the contractors, evidently understand their business as through the arrangements prepared beforehand it is palpable that the work, so for as the pile-driving is concerned, will speedily be executed. As stated in a previous issue the punt used in connection with the work has on it every appliance, and carries an immense framework, 45 feet in height, capable, by an ingenious arrangement, of driving three piles in a line without having to be shifted. This innovation saves three times the labor, and reduces the time occupien by a third as

against the old style. During yesterday, whilst the work was progressing, large numbers of people lined the banks and watched with interest the fall of the ponderous “ monkeys ” (each 15 cwt.), as they at every stroke drove the substantial post eighteen inches at'a time into the riverbed. The Natives, too, seemed to be delighted, and at each thud of the massive piece of iron, cheered delightedly. In fact so much were they pleased that some of them proceeded to Gladstone Road in order to invite the pakeha to come and see their bridge, which request was in many cases willingly responded to.