History Archive
CHINESE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
Chinese hut pits within mature kanuka, upstream |
FERRYMAN IN RESIDENCE
In 1888, the punt reportedly sank when the Luggate flour mill’s fully laden wagon caused the front of the punt to dip under the water. It was salvaged and returned to service, but the following year it suffered a more serious mishap when the “traveler” on the cable jammed, tearing out one of the cable anchors and releasing the punt on the river, complete with a loaded wagon, horses and men. The teamster quickly cut the horses free, and all swam for the riverbank while the punt was swept around the bend into the Devil's Nook, where it was wrecked against the bluff.
Although the punt was re-instated, it was obvious that a bridge would be needed because the Upper Clutha Valley was continuing to grow. By the turn of the century, the punt was struggling to cope with the increase in traffic. The monthly tally for the punt in 1910 was 400 people on foot, 250 on horseback, and 500 vehicles.
The steel work was fabricated in Dunedin by A & T Burt and Company. Construction of the bridge was difficult because of the swift current, particularly through the spring when the river levels were high. Two rows of temporary piles were needed to support the steel beams during assembly. It was reported that ‘Wilkinson intends to erect a temporary structure across the 200 ft span and has taken up these old suction dredge pontoons to carry the pile driver’.
The three spans, a 61metre Baltimore truss, a 30.5metre truss, and a 12.2metre rolled steel joist end span, totaling 103.7metres, were painstakingly maneuvered into position for bolting and riveting while suspended from cables attached between steel posts temporarily mounted at either end of the bridge.
After assembly, the steelwork was painted in traditional red oxide. The original wooden decking was Australian Jarrah hardwood, and the wooden side railings were painted white, all of which completed an attractive, well-engineered bridge in a scenic location against the backdrop of Mt Grandview and the adjacent peaks.
The official opening on 28 October, 1915, was attended by some 200 people from around the region. A red, white and blue ribbon, stretched across the bridge, was cut by Mrs Sheppard, wife of the County Chairman, John Sheppard. After which the Hon. William Fraser, Vincent County Chairman, local Member of Parliament and Minister of Public Works, named it “Grand View Bridge” amid much applause from the crowd. The bridge was named in honour of John Kane of nearby Grandview Station, who had been the County representative for 20 years (1890 – 1911). Mr Fraser complimented the engineer and the contractor for their work, noting that he had opened a good many bridges in the dominion, of which this was one of the biggest and finest looking.
The Otago Daily Times reported that: ‘A picnic was then held, and beautiful, sunny weather made things very enjoyable. During the afternoon Mr Fraser, on behalf of local residents, presented Mr J. Smith, for over 30 years as ferryman, with a handsome gold watch and chain, and Miss Nina Smith, his daughter, with a purse of sovereigns, in recognition of their services. Speeches were made highly eulogistic of the courteous and efficient manner in which Mr Smith had discharged his duties, and of the way in which Miss Smith had assisted him. … In the evening a banquet was held in the Luggate Hall with a very large attendance.’