The Taruheru Footbridge.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 519, 16 October 1890, Page 3

The Taruheru Footbridge.

At the last meeting of the Borough Council the foik winjz report made by Mr Wi'kin. •on, Road Overseer, on the damage to the footbridge“ Whilst the Venns was being towed up the river on the 7th inst. by the Tuna, the former struck the bridge, upsetting the draw part into the river and breaking it right in two, also knocking the piles some few Indus out cf plumb. I estimate the cost of replacing the swing part and piles into their original position at £2O, providing most of the old-timber is used in erecting the same. My opinion is if the bridge were repaired and the opening left the same width, it will be damaged again, as I consider the piles are too light tor the height of the bridge. What I would recommend is that 4 piles be pro-

cured, 19 by 12, go f PC t long, and driven on an (ingle ray 1 in 5, and the opening made 30 fret wide. This can he done by lengthen! i”g the swing and making it so that it wildrsw inside the other portion of the bridge, instead of taking down rails. The whole work would not exceed £50.” Mr J, Sandlant wrote ;—" The continual mishaps to the footbridge mav b fl a matter of ! small importance to a majority of the resi- ‘ dents in Gisborne, hot it is a much f-lt ' inconvenience to the residents of Whntanpoko end ou’bing district. Many people and school ch ’dren have tn travel m nv extra miles 1 owing tn there continual mishaps, and any who have business wilh 'he upper end of the town take one hour extra to go and ’ return. I need not print out to you that the b'idee was erected bv public suh-sc-iption, and since it is a'gn at public men verier, err-ft shnu’d be made secure. The question now arises, how is this to . be done ? If I mav be permitted to offer a suggestion, it is that the two adjuncts of the bridge be headed with a semi-ircular approach, strongly piled, planked, and stayed down to low water. This would give an inset to the tide through the opening where the drawbridge intersects, consequently should a vessel strike, she could not do so fairly, it would eive h.-r a sheer and counter sb. 'er, or in other words a lateral and collateral movement that would safely convey her through, with no harm to the structure. It is the form of approach that, is largely accountable for these mishaps which concurring rauses facilitate, and which the adoption of the plan suggested would wholly prevent. Subjoined is a rough sketch. I may srv that I have seen large steamers strike objects in ' he way described, and no harm has resulted.” MrG L Sunderland, manager for Messrs Nelson Bros , wrote : “ Tn reply to yours of October B'h, re damage to footbridge, we decline responsibility in the matter. The bridge as now constructed is a serious obstruction to the navigation of the river. It. is ■so serious to ns with the amount of towing we will have to do in the future, lightering mutton down, and coal no, in on?towing that I most ask your Council to make some considerable alteration in the Strength of it. I am »T«o writing to the Harbor Board nnd Marino Department on the subject, f will be happy to furnish your Board with a copy of the letters if you should wish for them."

The Merer said it appeared as if this bridge would he a frequent expense to the Borough — if a vessel like (ha Venus could not. get through in the day time they might expect more damage in the future. The Council wore not in a very strong position should they take any action regarding 'he bridge, as it did not lead to a public road in the Borough, —Cr Jovoe asked whether the Council wers to understand that damage of this kind might occur time sf er time without the Council bang able to onm» upon those who Mined ■ha injury.—Cr Whinny said it was impossible for 'he Council to ho expected to Leap ’h a bridge in repair and have no redress — Cr Dunlop thought thev m'ght alter the bridge aa snpg*s'ed bv th» Overseer. Messrs Nelson Bros would probably meat the Cour, cil on the work, and contribute half of the cost.—The Mayor said ih“ie was certainly

no use in only repairing the bridge.— Or Dunlop said that if the bridge wee not a legal structure they had no right spending any money on it.—lt wa« stated that the pla- a had been passed bv the Marine Department —Cr Taylor paid the Captain of the Venin informed him that he would take no responsibility wlii'e hia vessel was being trwed up the river. The Tuna was going at full sp»ed at the time cf the accident —Cr Joyce wished to know whether Messrs Nelson Bros., as charterers, were not resonnsible parties.—The Clerk said that question had I'O-n asked the solicitor, who stated that Messrs Nelson Bros, were liable Cr Whinray moved that the matter shcu’d stand over tin the County Council met, and said most probably Huy wou'd then have a reply from the Ma ine Department.—Cr Dun'op suggested that the Council shin'd consider the advisability of widening the swing. Unless that was done something <f a more serious nature might happen now that tha barges wou’d be 'owed up at all hours of the night.—Cr Harding said the best course wou'd be to leave the matter in the hands of the Public Works Committee. The bridge was not up to the requirements of the river, and unless a good permanent alteration was made they would be competed to spend money time after time to little advantage. Messrs Nelson Bros, would probably pay something ’owards the cost of alteration, and if that w>s not done they might as well do away with the bridge altosether. He moved as an amendment that the Public Works Committee take immediate action and see what could he done.— Cr Taylor seconded.— On the suggestion of Cr Joyce it was agreed that the Pubic Works Cnmmi'ten should

report to the Council before taking any action in the matter.—Cr McLernon said he would support the amendment. It had been hintel that the bridse was not a legal structure, and it hid also been-stated 'hat the Council were unable to get compensation far the last damage. It would be necessary now for the Council to know their exact position. Supposing they spend £5O on the work, were they sure that the bridge will then wi hs'and any accident.—The motion was agreed to.