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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Public Works Department

Public Works Department.

The Public Works Department for the Otago, Canterbury and Southland districts is domiciled on the first floor of the Custom House Building, Dunedin, overlooking High, Rattray and Princes Streets, and directly opposite the Cargill monument. The district engineer is supported by two assisant engineers, two draughtsmen, and five inspectors.

Mr. Edgeworth Richard Ussher , M. Inst. C. E., District Engineer of the Public Works Department in Dunein, is a Canadian by birth. He was born in 1839, and was educated in Toronto and Bowmanville in his native land. Mr. Ussher studied for his profession in Toronto, becoming a licensed surveyor in 1860, and engaged in Government surveys and railway work till 1863, when he went to Melbourne. About the close of the same year he settled in Dunedin, where he was appointed an officer of the roads department under the Provincial Government, and continued till 1868, when—with many others—he retired from the service. Until November, 1871, Mr. Ussher engaged in private practice in Dunedin as a civil engineer and surveyor, when he was appointed to the public works department under Mr. W. N. Blair,—late engineer in chief, and was for several years engaged in laying off various sections of railway, as well as designing and supervising the erection of several large bridges. In 1887. he became district engineer. Mr. Ussher was married in 1873 to a daughter of the late Mr. Alexander Stuart of Dunedin, and has eight sons and one daughter.