George Bridges had a long civil engineering career with the New Zealand Railways Department.
George completed a Bachelor of Engineering from Canterbury University College in 1936. He joined the Public Works Department the following year and gained experience working on the reconstruction of the Esk Valley railway. He was then an Engineering Cadet for New Zealand Railways, before serving in World War II.
From 1946, George returned to work for New Zealand Railways. He took various postings around the North Island and progressed to senior head office positions, including 12 years as Chief Civil Engineer. George retired in 1977. During his time with New Zealand Railways, George was involved with the mechanisation of railway construction and maintenance as well as the promotion of safety in engineering.
Access
This oral history is held at the Alexander Turnbull Library OHInt-0965-04
Date of Interview: 2009
