Road and Public Works Report for Southland Province




321

end of the 200 chains and the Mavis Bridge was contracted for by Mr. Finlayson. These works, which were of a very similar character to those just described, were completed before the winter set in. The bad weather, however, followed immediately after completion so as to poach up all the embankment and earthwork. It will be necessary to re-form the whole previous to pitching and metalling.

A large portion of the line between Mavis Bridge and the Long Bush has been formed and ditched, the works consisting of 51 miles of ditching, 1000 yards of formation, 400 yards of forming, half mile of graveling, and 1000 yards of blackwork. This efficiency has since been very much cut up, and the whole will require re-forming previous to laying on the metal.

From Long Bush to M'Gibbon's Ferry, culverts are constructed on every swamp, and approaches, with one or two exceptions, made up. A few of the approaches on the plain have been gravelled, but generally the earthworks only have been completed. Burden parties of road men have been employed on this line during the winter. To some extent this has been the means of keeping down the costs, but probably there is but little to be seen as return for this labour expended.

Over the Waitaha Stream a bridge of three bays has been constructed. The approaches also, which required in places retaining walls and filling, have been duly finished. The remainder of the line as far as the junction of the North Road at the Elbow has been under the charge of Mr. Overseer Finlayson. Day labour has been generally employed, and where contracts have been set, they have generally been given to travellers passing to and fro.


MYROSS BUSH.

The road through this bush has been cleared of stumps, &c., for sixteen feet in the centre and forty-four chains long. Formation has been completed for the same distance. About eighty-eight chains of ditching has been cut for the proper drainage of the above formation. It is now a very good summer road, but unfit for winter traffic until the embankment has properly consolidated.


LONG BUSH, NEAR MR. TROTTER'S.

One culvert has been constructed, and three chains forty-nine links of approaches made up. Seven chains of ditching, and about one chain of formation. This work has been of considerable convenience to the settlers.


MADEL DISTRICT ROAD.

The works consist of four bridges, fourteen culverts, seventy-one chains of embankment and approaches, 174 chains of ditching and forming.

The bridges are very similar in size and construction, being principally of three bays, two of twelve feet and one of twenty-four feet. The approaches are now being laid over the great drains. The road has been of considerable service to the diggings thymen during the last winter. The embankments being new a considerable amount of poaching has resulted.

A road, seventy-three chains long and one chain wide, has been cut, stumped, and cleared through the Titipua Bush, and is now open for traffic.


BAY ROAD.

The works on the above roads are as follows:—Bridges, 2; culverts, 6; widening, 300 chains; formation and spreading, 352 chains; graveling, 100 chains. The latter contract was suspended in consequence of the bad weather. Notice has now been given to the contractors to resume operations; large ditches are being cut on both sides of the road between the Ferry and Mitchell's Flat, and the soil taken from used in raising the crown of the road. A bridge over the Waihao will be shortly completed, and the ditching and formation between the bridge and the ferry are nearly finished.


MATARA.

CAMPBELLTOWN ROAD.

The Chief Surveyor has had charge of this line. His report is in process, and will shortly be laid in for your Honor's information.


INVERCARGILL.

CLYDE STREET.—One culvert and side drains have been completed. On east side the drains have been cut throughout; and the west between the Point Creek and Tweed Street. Twelve inches of gravel have been laid on between these two latter points, and the whole faced.



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Online Sources for this page:

VUW Te Waharoa PDF Southland Provincial Gazette 1863, No 62





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🏗️ Road and Public Works Report for Southland Province (continued from previous page)

🏗️ Infrastructure & Public Works
Roads, Public Works, Southland, Bridges, Drainage, Traffic, Engineering, Contracts
  • Mr. Finlayson, Contractor for roadworks
  • Mr. Trotter, Landowner near Long Bush