BRIDGE AT HYDE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 359, 27 May 1874, Page 5

BRIDGE AT HYDE.

At 10 a.m. on Th ursday a deputation, consisting of Messrs. Oliver and De Latour, M.P.C.s for Mount Ida, and Mr. Duffy, Hyde, accompanied by the following Dunedin merchants : — Messrs. Robert Wilson, Mackerras, Glendining, Eva, Matheson, Hayman, Tewsley, and Low — waited upon the Provincial Secretary to urge the adoption of steps for bridging the Upper Taieri between Hyde and Naseby. Mr. Oliver explained that the deputation were interested in increasing the facilities for traffic between Hyde and Naseby,, and that, to do so successfully, the erection of a bridge over the river was most essential. He reminded the Secretary that he had already urged his views upon him as to the great im--portance of this work to the district. Mr. De Latofr argued that it was a matter of great importance to the residents of Hyde that a bridge should be erected. There* was a fine tract of agricultural land on the opposite side of the river, but without a bridge, it would remain, practically speaking, locked up, as it was quite impossible to get ifc settled otherwise. Another reason uged wasj that children i esident on one side of the river were' prevented from attending the school. Carting and other traffic was also subjected to serious difficulties, and loss of 1 fs had occurred to parties in attempting the l\n:l. Mr. Reid replied that this was a matter whicli had been before the Government on several occasions. During the recess memorials had been received on the subject. Indeed, he thought that they had as much information on the point as could possibly be gained, and lie -was quite prepared, to admit that a bridge was very necessary. Unfortunately, however, they were placed in that position that they had not money sufficient to . undertake all the urgent works required at once. Mr. WitSQN said he could testify from actual experience as to the dangerous state of 1 the river at this ford. It was an awful orossing. Several travellers had, to his knowledge/ been compelled to turn back and take the road by Waihemo, which entailed a journey of not less than 25 miles extra. What added greatly to the dangerous nature of the crossing was that the bed of the river was covered with' large boulders. Other members of the deputation having spoken to the dangerous nature of the crossing, Mr. Reid said that he was aware from previous experience that it was far from being safe. The desire of the Government was to have the whole of these rivers bridged aa soon as they could get funds for the purpose. He could make no very definite promise to them at present. At the same time 1 the estimates had not been gone finally • through, and the matter might be recommended by the Executive. It was proposed to go to the Assembly and ask for a loan this year. If that were granted, it would relieve the revenues of the province very considerably. At present they were constructing their railways out of revenue, and that was rather too much for them to be expected to ■ continue doing. If the loan be granted, he had no doubt that they would see their way to get a sum voted for this bridge. The deputation thanked the Secretary, and retired.

Threats of actions for libel against the Press appear to be the order of the day. We notice 'by a Northern exchange that the Templar Standard is now threatened with an action of this kind.