Tuapeka Times. AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER & ADVERTISER. THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1873. "MEASURES. NOT MEN."

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 260, 23 January 1873, Page 5

Tuapeka Times. AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER & ADVERTISER. THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1873. "MEASURES. NOT MEN."

Appended are the conditions under which the Provincial Government are prepared to treat for the construction of a bridge across the Molyneux at the Beaumont. To us they seem fair and reasonable, and sufficiently tempting to induce many to forward offers ; and we feel assured that no individual or company undertaking the enterprise will find cause for regret. For a long time past a bridge at the locality mentioned has been felt to be an absolute necessity by the business people of a large portion of the province. The traffic on the main interior line of road, which crosses the Molyneux at the Beaumont, has attained such dimensions that the punt which now affords the only means of conveyance across the river is entirely inadequate to meet the demands made upon it. In -writing thus, we do not in any way wish to impugn the efficiency of the punt or its management. On the contrary, we have great pleasure in testifying that that the Beaumont punt is tone of thebest and aiost admirably! •attended in the colony, and during fits has -done .good ser<vice>

But now it is behind the age— it has served its purpose, and must like many other useful but now forgotten appliances be consigned to the limbo of desuetude. The vexatious delays frequently caused by the increased business, the heavy charges levied, and the uncertainty always existing in windy weather as to the possibility of crossing) are powerful arguments in faVor of a bridge being, without delay, substituted for the punt. Besides this, it is notorious that the heavy puntage charges on the valley of the Molyneux road absolutely deter many from travelling upon it, and compel them much against their inclination to take other roads. We have always held the opinion that this work ought to be undertaken by the Government, but we have no fault to find with the manner it is proposed to construct it. It matters not whether the bridge is in the hands of the Government or of private individuals, so long as it is safe and equal to carry the traffic. By taking action the Government have shown that they are convinced that the proposed bridge is urgently required, and intend to have it constructed as soon as practicable. About the remunerative nature of the enterprise there can be no question. • The carrying and other trade is increasing every day, and there is every prospect — in fact, absolute certainty — that it will continue to increase in much larger ratio than it has hitherto done. Were there no greater traffic than at present, there would be a handsome interest upon the outlay, and the security for the investment is as good as can be obtained in the colouy. There is said to be a large amount of capital seeking safe investment. If any of it is in the hands of shrewd, enterprising business men, the Beaumout Bridge may almost be considered an accomplished fact. The conditions are as follows : — 1. Drawings and specifications of proposed structure to be prepared by and at the expense of the promoters, and, with bridge site to be submitted to the Provincial Engineer for inspection and approval before any proposal is accepted. 2. The work of construction to be initiated and carried on until completion to the satisfaction of the Provincial Engineer, who will have power to exercise a general inspection of the works during their progress, and to reject any material proposed to be used in the structure, winch he may consider un6t or objectionable for the pnrpotse. 3#^The promoters will be allowed to cut free of charge, in any Government bush, all timber which may be required in the structure. 4. The bridge to be only opened for traffic when the Provincial Engineer snail have certified that the works are completed to his satisfaction, and the structure ' safe and fit for ordinary road traffic. 5. When the Engineer has certified that the bridge is satisfactorily completed, a lease Of the site with 20 acres on each side, or 40 acres on one side, at the option of the promoters, of unsold land as per sketch to be furnished with proposal, shall be granted to i the promoters at a nominal rent, for a period of 14 yestrs, with power to collect tolls at 'rates not exceeding 50 per cent, above those levied at the Government tolls. 6. The Government undertake to provide the necessary approaches to the bridge on each side, from the present main road, within one month after the structure is complete and declared open for traffic. 7. The Government to have power to take over the bridge at any time on payment of a sum *o be fixed by arbitration. 8. Should the Government Hot elect to take over the bridge, or should the valuation fixed by arbitration be considered too high, the promoters to continue in occupation with the same rights and powers as if no arbitrationhad taken place, and on expiry of lease, to be entitled to a renewal on the same Conditions as aforesaid, the Government still retaining the power to purchase by arbitration. 9. The promoters shall at all times during the continuation of the lease, keep and maintain the bridge in satisfactory order and repair, and have it open for traffic at all times. 10. Government officials to be allowed to pass free of charge, on producing an order signed by the Superintendent. I 11. Officers and members of the police force in uniform, to pass free without an order. 12. Foot passengers and passengers by coach or other vehicle, to pass free.