Bridges solved tricky crossings
The first bridge across the Mataura River at Gore was a railway bridge opened on August 30 1875.
It was 1890 before a road bridge was opened meaning that vehicles and stock no longer had to cross on the ford. The Mataura Ensign said: ‘‘The bridge is, architecturally speaking, a rude structure of stone and wood. It is over 100 feet in length, its traffic-way is about 14 feet in width, and the superstructure rests on nine piers of solid masonry, each pier being based on the rock which composes the bed of the river.
‘‘The rails were not all laid on the arrival of the train, but about 30 men having been set to work, they soon put the bridge in order to receive the engines. This having been done, two engines and a number of ballast waggons, weighing in all about 65 tons, steamed on to the bridge in order to test it.’’
The ford had claimed many casualties. The Otago Daily Times cautioned: ‘‘People coming from Otago should be careful not to cross unless assured that it would be safe to do so, by someone thoroughly acquainted, not only with the fords, but also the state of the river.’’
How low can you go?
The lowest point on New Zealand’s land surface is the bottom of Lake Hauroko, 306m below sea level. The surface of the lake is 158 metres above sea level.
Hauroko is believed to be the world’s 23rd deepest lake and about a quarter the depth of Lake Baikal. Although Hauroko is the generally accepted name, there was strong support for Hauroto, as it was frequently spelled. Hauroto purported to mean ‘windy lake’ but that would be Rotohau.
One interpretation of Hauroko is ‘‘listening wind’’. Explorer James McKerrow recorded it as Howloko with the typical southern ‘‘l’’ replacing the ‘‘r’’ as we still see in Waihola and Wangaloa.
International flying-boat?
Southland’s international flyingboat base was proposed for Paterson Inlet in October 1937 as this is the closest sheltered harbour to Australia (1480km to Hobart).
It was suggested that other amphibian aircraft would then take these passengers to other parts of New Zealand.
There was a perceived danger in aircraft having to fly over the South Island mountains in thick weather which would be resolved by low altitude aircraft coming around the bottom of the South Island and being able to put down on the water in the event of trouble.
‘‘Paterson Inlet has been described as suitable in every respect. Nor is that all; it is the only stretch of water south of Picton to which this description can be applied. It is admirably situated and its physical features meet all the requirements of a flying boat terminal. It is within easy reach of the mainland, it provides shelter in all weathers, it has the necessary area, and the distance between Paterson Inlet and Hobart is the shortest distance of any possible route.
‘‘Flying is governed largely by weather conditions, in particular visibility. In this respect Paterson Inlet constitutes an almost perfect aerial base. Forest is plentiful and thus an ideal shelter is provided. Moreover, at Stewart Island there is sheltered water in every direction.
‘‘Paterson Inlet is in this respect notably fortunate. Not only is there the usual shelter afforded in a land-locked area but also there is protection seawards afforded by The Neck, by Ulva, and by Native Island. There is, as far as can be judged, ample room at Paterson Inlet for the necessary manoeuvres. In any event it would provide a run-way in almost every direction of about four miles, a matter of supreme importance since the machines require a long run and must as far as possible land into and take off into the wind.’’
The flying-boat era passed with no large aircraft landing at Stewart Island.