3-011-467 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Timber bridge over the River Wai-Au-Ua, province of Nelson, New Zealand, 1864. 'The River Wai-au-ua (or Dillon) is the largest in the province of Nelson. In several places, when flooded, it is one mile in width, and it has always been the most dangerous obstacle to travelling on the inland road between the provinces of Nelson and Canterbury. The Provincial Government having voted the sum of £1500 for a horse-bridge, Mr. J. Blackett, the provincial engineer, prepared a plan of one, which was entirely novel in its conception, and which had one great recommendation - economy in construction. The only tender, however, put in for the erection was for £3200; the Government declined this, and placed the entire charge of the work in the hands of Mr. Henry Handyside, C.E., of Nelson, who has erected the bridge...The quantity of timber used was 30,500 ft. of black birch, which is a strong and durable wood...This ingenious structure reflects very great credit upon Mr. Blackett, the designer; and not less upon its enterprising builder. Mr. Henry Handyside, who had...no slight difficulties to contend with not the least of which was the high price of labour.' From "Illustrated London News", 1864.