MINISTER OF MINES.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1925, Page 1

MINISTER OF MINES.

ADMIT OF HON ANDERSON,

'The Hon G. J. Anderson (Minister of Alines and Marine) who arrived on Tuesday evening, accompanied by Airs Anderson and Air O’Brien A1.1’., and Mrs O’Brien, proceeded to South Westland yesterday morning. A visit was paid to the Rimu dredge cn route, and a brief stay was made at Ross, the Minister then proceeding to Ivakapotalii bridge to open that recently completed structure. Rain had commenced to fall heavily during the journey and it was coming down very steadily at noon, the time set down for the ceremony. Luncheon was first partaken of at Air J. N. Afanera’s fine new two-storeyed residence, which forms a striking land mark from the approach to the Big YVaitaha bridge. A capital spieai! w.s provided by Airs Alanera, and a number of active assistants gave every attention to tire wants of the visitors, who fully appreciated 11 io excellent repast supplied. As the rain still continued to fall it was decided that the speech-making should take place from the commodious verandah. There was a good number present including several carloads from Hokitika, Boss etc., including several members of the Westland County Council, though it was noticed that none of the fioutliern riding members were present, business nrr.sngemeiit.s having prevented their attendance. The County Chairman (Air E. A. Wells) called on Afr J. O’Brien (mein--I,or for Westland) to introduce the Minister.

Mr J. O’Brien said lie was glad to he able to introduce Hon Mr Anderson, because he was a Minister who looked into the wants of the country, and because he was there to open the Kakapotftlii bridge. It was twelve months ago when the Hon Minister was in Westland that the disastrous Hood took place that had resulted in the previous bridge crossing' this stream having been swept away. Now, I hanks to the Minister of Public Works and Hie Westland County Council a good strong substantial tradii- bridge had been erected that he felt sure would lasL for a long time. Before the session took place he hoped that every member of the Ministry would have yisted the district. He had much pleasure in introducing the Hull Anderson. Minister ol Mines. Ilmi G. J. Andersen said he appreciated the kindness of the welcome extended. especially that of Air O’Brien, whom lie was always pleased to meet, and whom he appreciated, except foi his politics (laughter). The present Government docs its duty irrespeetnc of political parties, seeking the advancement of the country as a whole. He was there that day to open this bridge, which replaced one taut had been swept away a year ago. In this connection Mr Anderson read a telegram from Hon J. G. Coates (Ministci of Public Works) stating he had granted the application for a grant of L2(M (£. for £.) for protection works on the north hank of the bridge. This bridge continued Air Anderson, will conned up an important connection with the south. Speaking in regard to the timber industry and the large quantity ill the further south, he said he felt it would not be wise to cut all the timber out. They should cut I he most accessible first and keep some lor these who came after us. Ildorto the bridge which I"’ was about to open Mr Anderson said it, consists of 5 1011. spans and 2 Lilt, spans, a total length of 290 feet. The -10 ft. spans consist of roiled steel joists on Australian hardwood pile piers. Ihe 1 oft spans are mixed Australian hardwood stringers. The width ol the load way is Hit. made narrow to mill the decking from the old bridge, 'lho estimated cost was £2-!-JL of which the Public Works Department and lho Westland Comity Council each hud one half. In declaring the bridge open, .Mr Anderson hoped that the stiuelnre would prove ail enduring mie. and that it would prove of decided advantage and utility to the Smith West Iml district, l.v enabling the products of the district to he got quickly to the market. He declared the bridge open for Ira Hie (applause). Mr E. A. Wells on id lie was pleased at having the honor to welcome Mr Anderson to Westland- The district was progressing and had arrived at that stage when every little assistance must help greatly to push it on to further progress. Wlmt -was wanted was bridges and more bridges. I here

was an ever repeating cr.v for more bridges. They also wanted to have approval for the use of rolling stock on tlie tramline to Roa, enabling southern stock, which was an ever increasing quantity to be loaded at this point, and so carried direct on Jo their destination. As soon as the Government gave that ici-mission the County Council were prepared to erec loadin''- vard-s here, and so facilitate the carriage of stock. That was one ~p the main reasons why the prosen bridge had been erected. The work had been earned out efficiently »' |! ri ,i„e Overseer Reynolds under the supervision of Overseer A 1 diner and wa sa very fine structure. He again expressed the pleasure they had at having the presence of the Hon Minister and Mrs Andoison there that Tim Alinistei-ial Party shortly alter made a start for their further journey smith heartv cheers being given lot the Alinister and Mrs Anderson, and Afr J. O’Brien ALL’. Before crossing the bridge Airs Anderson cut the ribbons across the hr idee wav and declared it open for traffic, hearty cheers being given by these assembled. Shortly after the ram ceased ami the afternoon turned out beautifully ;i,,e for the further journey.