The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1884. THE RANGITATA BRIDGES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1158, 29 March 1884, Page 2

The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1884. THE RANGITATA BRIDGES.

It will be remembered that steps were taken some time ago to induce the Government to construct sheep bridges in connection with the North and Soutb Rangitata bridges. Mr Postlethwaite, at the request of Mr Totton, some montbs ago represented the matter to the Government, with the result that an Engineer reported favorably on the scheme, and that the Government promised to do the work provided the local bodies contributed a share of the cost. Since then Mr Totton has been working most zealously in the matter. He interviewed both the lemuka and Geraldine Road Boards, and was promised support from both. He next tried the Ash burton County Council, with the result that he was encouraged to get up a petition to that body praying for its assistance. This petition is now numerously signed, and will be presented to the Ashburton County Council at its next meeting, and it is expected that that spirited body will contribute handsomely towards the erection of the bridges, There can be no doubt but that the work is very desirable, and it is to us a wonder that it has not been done long ago. From the Upper Rangitata bridge to the sea there is no means of crossing the*? rivers "\nnpt by train, or by fording them. This entails considerable expense on persons living on the Island, and the district in the vicinity of the railway bridge. If they want to cross the Rangitata to the Ashburton side with a mob of sheep they must drive them up to the upper Rangitata bridge, which takes from one to two days ; whereas if the proposed bridge were constructed, they could cross the river in as many hours. In time of floods, the people on the Island are completely hemmed in. They are not allowed to walk across the railway bridge, and they have no other means of coming to the railway station or of getting their letters. It is evident, therefore, that the proposed bridges are very much needed, and we trust the local bodies will see their way clear to meet the Government in a liberal spirit. The Government Engineer has reported that £llsO will be ample to carry out the work, and if the local bodies provide half that sum the Government will contribute the other half. Under such circumstances, we think the Rangitata people may rest satisfied that their wishes in this direction will be soon gratified.