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Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1924, Page 2

MiYTTRHS in regard to the bridging of the Wailio river are moving slowly but surely. There have been many Ministerial promises past and present on this subject. There is now the definite announcement by the Minister of Public Works through Mr O’Brien, -Member for "Westland, that plans are being designed and as soon as they aro completed the work of erection will be proceeded with. This is very definite, and it is to lie hoped that later it will not he necessary to hold up the structure while the material is being procured outside the Dominion! The bridge, is the most urgently required public work in Westland. By spanning the Wailio river it will link up the extension of the main south road as far as Bruce Bay and Maintain for vehicle traffic under normal conditions. This added stretch of roadway for vehicle transport will moan a great step forward in the development of the territory served. Tt will assist greatly in regard to stock raising and the delivery of dairy produce, while for the siglit-seoiiifr traveller it will fie a event, boon, and bring the Fox Glacier and the intervening mountain road within the reach of tourists and holiday makers visiting Wailio. It will provide the means of holiday parties spending at least two extra days in tho south visiting fresh seenic country, and will bo both a utility and a tourist bridge. The "Wailio river is swift and rough, with cold icy waters. It is a dangerous crossing except to the very wary, but tlie most experienced horsemen in the south have had a close call, so that in the interests of life the authorities cannot too soon set about the bridging of a crossing which is such a menace to safety am! a drawback to the progress of tlie district.