2 DISCUSSION. 
The Chairman was in accord with popular opinion, that in the 
long run a steel bridge was cheaper than a timber structure, 
but the Author pointed out that this popular opinion only held 
good when pine or other soft wood with a short life was used, in 
lieu of the much more durable Australian hardwood, and that the 
Chairman did not support his opinion with the necessary tabulated 
statement, similar to that submitted by the Author, shewing the 
comparative cost of interest, renewals, and maintenance of a 
steel and timber structure. As previously reasoned, Mr. Allan 
considered it would have been incorrect to compare the Wagga 
Wagga timber bridge with an iron bridge based on imported 
prices, but even supposing it possible that by importing the iron 
bridge the cost could have been reduced by £1,000, there would 
still be a saving of £10 per annum in annual charge, equal to @ 
capital value at 47% of £250 per span in favour of the timber 
structure. As the decks in each bridge were similar, the incon- 
venience to traffic during renewals would be common. to both 
designs, whilst the timber truss members could at the end of 
twenty-five years (if then decayed) be renewed without -interrup- 
ting traffic. 
-FASCINE WORK as CARRIED OUT sy ran PUBLIC 
WORKS DEPARTMENT in NEW SOUTH WALES. 
By T. E. Burrows, is. 
(Communicated by J. W. Grimshaw, M. Inst. C.E.) 
[With Plates 9, 10.] 
[Read before the Engineering Section of the Royal Society of N. S. Wales, 
October 15, 1895. | 
Tue history of embankments for river training purposes in New 
South Wales, in which the use of fascines of Ti-tree, or similar a 
scrub form part, commenced as far as the author is aware only 
Rie geen: amas ah he Meee pS 
