History: Making a river crossing safe at Wai-iti

The need for a bridge across the Wai-iti River at Wakefield to enable the settlers of Dovedale, Pigeon Valley and surrounding country districts to travel in safety across the river was highlighted in April 1884 when Mr Cowin and his son narrowly escaped a fatal accident.

They were driving home, their cart full of supplies when in crossing the river they fell into a hole that had been scoured out, resulting in the horse and vehicle going over a steep bank into deep water. Although they escaped with their lives, they lost all the stores, and the horse.

In April, ratepayers were canvassed, asking for consent to be rated at the extent of £50 a year for 10 years to build a bridge under the Roads and Bridge Construction Act. Ratepayers voted and the result was overwhelmingly for the scheme.

Two thousand pounds was approved by the Public Works Department and tenders opened in June 1884 with 11 received by the closing date. Henry Baigent was the successful applicant and by November 1884, he had made good progress on the bridge designed by Mr Akerston.

The approaches were filled with gravel taken from the riverbed and the first row of piles were driven into place. The bridge was built of heart of totara cut from trees at Baigent’s mill in Tākaka.

The opening on 7 April 1885, became a gala day for the country communities. Access was now possible to Wakefield from Pigeon Valley, Dovedale and other districts, irrespective of the state of the river.

After a celebratory luncheon, the Wakefield Brass Band played a selection of music before a procession formed in the Wakefield Recreation Grounds with J. Thomas acting as marshall.  A double line of around 120 school children, Juvenile Rechabites, Good Templars, and Oddfellows formed.  The Hon Mr Shephard, Rev. Baker, Mr Akersten, Mr H. Baigent, and the members of the Council and Road Board walked between the two lines preceded by the Band while many residents also joined in.

The procession marched round the corner and through the village to the new bridge where Mr and Mrs E. Baigent were in readiness to join in.

The completed bridge consisted of ten spans of 35 feet each. The total length was 354 feet, whilst its width was 14 feet outride measurement. It was built on the Corbie and Stringer principle with auxiliary girders, making it very strong and the decking was virtually level though provision for preventing rainwater lodging was secured by having the right-hand side of the bridge (as one passed from Wakefield) slightly lower than the opposite side, thus giving a slight fall and enabling water to flow through the scupper holes provided.

A scony railing set off the structure, and the piers were protected against floating logs in a simple but effective manner. The bridge was decorated with flags and native palms. Following the procession, the bridge was declared open for traffic. A bullock dray was driven across, as though to assert the importance of the first form of transport used in the Colony.