RANGIRIRI.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 176, 23 May 1916, Page 3

RANGIRIRI.

KANGIKIHJS' NEW BKIUGE K'JUEKN STKIKTUKE IN FERKO-CONCKETE The Rangiriri bridge, which is now in coarse of construction, brings »o the casual observer a vivid picture of the enormous possibilities attendant upon its completion, Rangiriri must naturally receive the greatest benefit thereby, inasmuch as traffic from Te Akau and Glen Murray in particular, as well as from Tuakau acd Huntly, will be diverted to the unpretentious village that played such an important part in tbs Maori War. The country on the opposite bank of the river will be brought into direct c immunication with Kangiriri, closer settlement will follow and probably the first Bign of advancement will be larger stock sales at Kangiriri

in ignorance of the difficulties that continually best the path of the contractors, Messrs Donald and Co, of Wellintgon, there are some grumble's who in th;ir illogical manner contend that the bridge ehould have been completed months sgo. So it would have been but for the loss of time occasioned by a delayed shipment frnm England of steel for the pile 3, which caused a delay of six month'. A further not less important difficulty was also experienced, viz., that of securing efficient bridge carpenters, a trouble that at present i 3 causing the contractors considerable thought. The completion, however, should be arrived at before next summer, it the river remairs at the present lavel for four or five weeks, but failing that and the stream rises to ordinary winter level, operations will necessarily have to cease until next summer The contract price is £9665, but this amount is likely to be increased by way of etxras. Half the total cost is to be borne by the Raglan and Waikato County Councils in the following ratios, the former 69 per cent and the latter 31 per cent. The balance will be defrayed by a £ for £ subsidy the Government, the promise of which made it feasible for the bridge to be put in band

Up to date 143 piles bave teen driven into the bed of the river. Jt was necessary, through "soft bottom," to drive in 39 piles more thsn wss anticipated. The work is now at a satisfactory stage, and with the exception of the piles icr the last pier, which will require a month's drying before being plsced in position, all the pile work is completed

The bridgs is very much of the same description ai tbe one that croßsej the Waiketo at Hurtly. When cmpleted it will consist of three spans of 122tt Gin, with steel cords and 33 striker spans of 25ft each. The enormous strength and carriyng capacity rt the bridge can be acsjrtaioed fr.m the fact that in addition to tbe pile 3 the whalings and bracei are being manufactured in concrete. Frovision has been made fjr crossings of vehicles in tbe centre of the bridgp, where the width has been increased from 14ft overall to 20ft. Th 3 approach to the bndje from the Kangiriti side will be adjacent to the saleyards, facilitating the transit of large mobs of cattle thereto and from across the river

Ten men are at present empolyed on the work under the supervision of Mr W Rhudes

There seems to be little hope of thfl controlling authority metalling the roads in Bangiriii before the winter sets in. Even if finances do not allow of an extensive scheme being carried out a small amount should be allocated for the road leading to the station which is gradually becoming a mass of holes, and also the main street leading to the school.

It is pleasing to know that since Miss Angove was appointed to the charge of the local school the attendance has increased from 12 to 19, despite the permanent departure of all the native scholars from the district. The latest report submitted by Dr Mclllraith, Inspector of Schools, is also very encouraging Referring to the standard of proficiency attained by the scholars he says that a distinct improvement was noticeable and that reading, comprehension, composition, spelling and recitation were distinctly good and gave evidence of thorough treatment. Proceeding, the report stated that the spirit of the work and the tone of the school generally were highly commendable With a desire to beautify the school grounds Miss Angove has instilled in the children a desire for horticulture with the result that the more ardent ones spend most of their leisure hours in attending to the school garden. With a i'erro-concrete stiucture ol good proportions taking the place of the small wooden bridgo on the Great South Road at the entrance to the township the district is coming into its own. For closo ou 40 years the old bridge has done duty for thu passage of stock, vehicles and pedestrians, but with increased traffic it now fails to meet reijuirements. The improved facilities now being provided will be appreciated. The contractor is Mr S. M. Eraser, of Huutly, whose tender of X 100 was accepted by the Waiknto County Council, which authority ihtend defraying that amount out of the County Fund. The first case ol infantile paralysis reported iu the district occurred last week, the patioiit a resident of the township.