WAIHOPI BRIDGE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1614, 29 November 1905, Page 2

WAIHOPI BRIDGE.

THE OPENING CEREMONY.

Between 30 and 40 leading business men, aud including the Hon. Jas. Carroll, attended on the invitation of the East Coast Timber and Trading Company to take part in the formal opening of the Waihopi bridge, connecting their Tapuihikitea mill with their bushes on the other side of the Waipaoa river. The party, in conveyances provided by Mr Redstone and under the guidance of Mr W. L. Rees, arrived at the mill shortly after noon. Here the visitors inspected the very up-to-date mill managed by the Messrs Drummond Bros, and general appreciation was expressed at the very complete plant that was in use. The company then proceeded

in trolleys along the wooden tram line fc the bridge, where an impromptu eDjoyabl lunch was partaken of. Inspection wa; next made of the system of hauling log to the mill by means of a stationary engim and wire rope. On the return to th< bridge, it was forma'ly declared open bj Mr Carroll, who commented on the enter prise of the company, and hoped that this was only the forerunner of many similar ventnres, which not only helped the dietriot but also provided means of employment for scorss of wage-earners. He called for oheers for the company, for the mill hands, and for Mr W. L. Bees. Mr Bees replied emphasising the possibilities that the future; held for the dislriot. Panapa Waihopi also thanked the pakehas for naming the bridge after him, • and wished that the present contention of Europeans and Maoris to utilise the products of the districts would be still further extended. He broke into a waiata in wbioh several others joined. Another visit was paid to the , mill, where Messrs Drummond kindly gave ocular demonstration of the possibilities of the mill, and then the party amid obeera started on its return journey to town, wbioh was reached shortly after 7 p.M,