Sold For £150

Back in 1904, when the railway being built from Gisborne to join up with the Auckland system was a hallmark of progress in the district, the first major obstacle on the northern route was the crossing of the Waipaoa River near Kaitaratahi.

When the bridge was built, it was a notable milestone. The line was pushed on toTe Karakaand beyond. But there were many more formidable obstacles ahead, and the line was never completed. Now it has been abandoned, and the big bridge which so grandly epitomised the hopes of all has been sold by the Railways Department for a mere £150.

The purchasers are two Dutchmen, Kwos Loogman and John Hardenbol. They have started demolition, and hope to make a profit on the deal, over and above their wages for the six months it will take them to do the Job, by selling steel, beams, and sleepers where they can.

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The bridge, with some of the protective sheathing stripped from the piles.

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There are 550 almost new sleepers on the bridge

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Massive 20" × 16" beams should have many uses