COOK COUNTY COUNCIL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1088, 17 June 1882, Page 2

COOK COUNTY COUNCIL.

A meeting of Councillors was held on Thursday evening to consider what should what should be dune to remedy the damages done by the recent flood. There were present Crs. Johnson, Weston, Ferris, and Westrupp, and although there was no quorum of the Council it was considered advisable to discuss the report of the Engineer which was as follows :— Sir, —I have the honor to submit the following report for your information and guidanoe. The principal losses sustained by your Council (and the district) during the late floods are the partial destruction of the Te Arai Bridjie, and the gravel being washed off a portion of the Ormond Alain Road. The destruction of the bridge was in consequence of tiie boom carrying away and being unable to clear it, before a heavy jam of t imber occurred, greater than the piles cf the bridge cordd resist. I was not present myself, having been detained by the floods on the Coast, but 1 am informed by those who were working at the bridge, that every endeavour was used to save it. Five spans of 25ft. have been destroyed, but most of th? timber is still attached to the upper struct are, which can be utilised again, it is necessary that immediate steps be taken to remove the damaged portion and so prevent further dest ruction. In order to keep the line of road open for traffic, I would recommend one of the following means, viz : Ist, a temporary low level bridge with Kahikiitca piles ; 2nd, a Pontoon bridge with casks, in either of which the timber of present structure could be utilised until required lor now bridge ; and 3rd, to obtain the punt (which is not in use) belonging to the Borough Council ; and in either case that ordinary ferry chaages be collected for crossing. In the event of your Council deciding to rebuild the bridge, I would recommend that a 50 feet span be constructed in lieu of two 25 feet spans. The gravel on about 80 chains of the Ormond Alain Road has been washed off the pitching, and deposited on the lower side of road, if fresh gravel at a reasonable cost can be obtained at once to put on the pitching, I would recommend that it be procured in preference to utiliaing the old material; by this means the road will bo much improved, inasmuch that it will be widened from G to 8 feet, if gravel can not be obtained then labor must be employed in replacing the original material. Four of the rickets used in constructing the wings to brick culverts have been swept away. I would recommend that they bo replaced with new ones. It will be necessary to protect the northern approach of the Waipaoa Bridge, a portion of it having b ;en destroyed by the flood. Should another flood occur before this work is completed, the land tier of piles is likely to be undermined. 1 have also been informed that one of the centre of piles during the flood appeared to be damaged. 1 have been unable to examine it, or take soundings, there being no boat on (he river, consequently cannot report further on the subject, but will do so ut next meeting. I would recommend that fascines bo laid in a few places in the Pipiwhaka Bush road, for in its present state it is dangerous for traffic. The cutting at. the western side of the Rangatira crossing bus been completely destroyed. I would usk authority to get a new cutting made ; for until this is done, all traffic is suspended. No. 3 section of the Gisborne-Wairoa Road has been completed, and 1 am informed that many slips have occurred on the other sections. Tenders were called for, last meeting, for clearing a portion of the Taruheru Creek. I am not aware of any tenders being sent in I presume it isowing to the flood, and intending contractors not knowing if the work would be proceeded with or not. I would ask if fresh tenders shall be called for this work. G. J. Winter, County Engineer. In reply to Cr. Ferris, Mr Winter stilted that Mr Duncan McKay had offered to build a low level bridge with Kaika piles, for £5O in consideration of being empowered to collect the tolls for six months at the usual punt rates. A long conversation ensued, and it was eventually decided that tenders should be called for the erection of the bridge, which received the recommendation of the Engineer, and also for the leasing of the toll. The other works recommended by the Engineer were recommended to bo at once proceeded with. The meeting was altogether informal, as although Mr. Gannon arrived late during the evening and took part in the discussion, the “half-hour” had elapsed before the necessary five (forming the quorum) assembled. It was, however, a case of desperate cases requiring desperate remedies, and the councillors were of opinion that vigorous measures were immediately necessary.