EXPENSES OF WITNESSES IN COURT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1163, 10 April 1884, Page 2

EXPENSES OF WITNESSES IN COURT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I am glad to learn from your report of the case J. S, Hayes v. J. W. White that a medical neighbor has not hesitated, although probably at some personal sacrifice, to claim his rights in the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Temuka. If no further result is gained, the attention of the public will be directed to a practice which prevails to a large exteat, and which, to say the least of it, involres a very serious injustice. I have myself undergone a similar “ chiselling ” process to that experienced by Dr Hayes, and know that others have been victimised in the same mariner. It is manifestly absurd that a witness should be thus done out of his just rights, and I trust, sir, that you will use your influence to prevent the continuance of such an iniquitous practice.—l am, etc.,

Robt. Fisk, MR.C.S.E., L.S.A. Geraldine, April Stli, 1884.

OUR BRIDGES,

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — These structures, which have cost so much, are a continual source of trouble ; and why ? The Engineers are not to blame, the Contractors are not to blame ; but the various Road Boards are greatly to blame, in not allowing sufficient outlay to ensure a solid and substantial work. Not long since your

paper was full about the north approach of the Opihi River Bridge. ]f the work then performed had been a substantial one, hundreds of pounds would have been saved, and the amount then expended would not have been carried into the Pacific Ocean, If anything is worth doing it is worth doing well. The Opihi River is one of the worst rivers in South Canterbury. In one way and another it has cost thousands of pounds, and it is to be hoped that the work to be done now will be performed in a substantial manner. I should think that two additional spans similar to the new portion should he built, so that it could not be pulled down, and so much more money thrown away. Then the approach should be protected by sheet piling driven 10ft, and behind this a wall of concrete about 6in. or Bin, thick. This is the only way to secure a permanent work in this river. I have watched the effects of floods on these approaches. The sheet piles in places are half an-inch apart, and the water washes out clay or shingle little by little. This causes a vacuum, and at last the whole approach is demolished. Possibly, sir, the hint thrown out may be of some service to those in charge, as it will be foolishness to continue to patch up the work as has hitherto been done, —I am, etc., W. J. N. Upton.