THE LATE MESSRS BALFOUR AND PATERSON.

Southland Times, Issue 1191, 4 January 1870, Page 3

THE LATE MESSRS BALFOUR AND PATERSON.

(Otago Daily Times.) Mr Balfour was trained in the office of the Messrs Stevenson, of Edinburgh, Engineers to the Northern Lighthouse Board. He arrived in New Zealand six years ago, having been appointed Marine Engineer to the Province of Otago. He was subsequently appointed Marine Engineer to the Colonial Government., He took an active part in the engineering department of the New Zealand Exhibi-. tion, 1865, at which time he made extensive and valuable experiments on the woods of the colony in regard to their strength, weight, and durability. This work will always be a monument of his laborious, observing, and thoughtful habits. While engaged by the Otaep Government, he was consulted by the other Provincial Governments as to their , harbors and the various works in connec- 1 tion with them. His first achievement was the lighthouse at Taiaroa Head. Since then Tie has erected several other lighthouses along the coast. But the most important of all his works. is the Port Chalmers dry dock, now in process of construction. Many other subjects of a professional character engaged his attention throughout the colony, but only those who were intimately and daily in j contact with him would be able to doj justice to his merits, As to his personal character, "we need hardly say that his unassuming manners and kindly disposition engaged the good- will of those who had the good fortune of being personally acquainted with him. Mr Paterson, who arrived in the colony a few months before his friend and schoolfellow, Mr Balfour, was trained in the office of Mr Biyth, Eailway Engineer, Edinburgh. He, like Mr Baifour, arrived here under an engagement with the Provincial Government of Otago. The appointment he held was that of Eailway and Eoad Engineer. He was actively engaged for two or three years, during the height of the goldfield excitement, in extending the system of land communications throughout the various districts of the province. He designed and partially carried out the great bridge over the Clutha at Cromwell. After leaving the service of the Provincial Government, in consequence of general reductions of the staffs be was i employed by the Government in his private capacity as a civil engineer,' in I designing the railway to Balclutha—plans- ! and designs for which, we believe, remain complete in his office. He has also completed designs for the Eakaia Bridge, in the province of Canterbury— a work of great extent and difficulty. .