THE NORTHERN APPROACH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 989, 8 March 1910, Page 5

THE NORTHERN APPROACH.

To the Editor. Sir, —I have just received a letter from Mr G. Laing-Measoti, Engineer, ou the above subject, from which the following is an extract:—"You suggest that I should write my views co the proposed bridge question. I do not know what more I can say regarding this matter. I have already said, and it has been published, that one concrete Bridge together with the river diversion and protection would cost no more than the two wooden bridges. I have shown that the former would last practically for ever without any repairs, whereas the life of the latter would be twenty-five to thirty years at most, with a constant upkeep, painting, etc., and I pointed out also that the concrete bridge would present a handsome appearance at the end of a fine thoroughfare like Queen Street. I have stated positively, and from my experience of exactly the same undertakings elsewhere, that no harm would result to land above and below the island, and that the conditions of the river bed there would not be altered or affected in any way. This from an engineering point of view covers the whole ground. If the authorities prefer to put up two old fashioned • ungainly and perishable bridges, instead of one permanent structure suitable to a growing town like Masterton- I suppose they must have their way; but it will not be long before they recognise the mistake they have made, for the timber bridges will be an, eyesore and a constant cause of expense until they are rotten and down." The above, coming from an authority a second to none on river works, should, I think, carry some weight with the public body in charge of the work.—l am, etc., DONALD DONALD.