OPENING OF BRIDGE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 November 1929, Page 6

OPENING OF BRIDGE

AT McCULLOUGH’S CREEK,

SOUTH WESTLAND

Quite a large gathering of travellers, local residents and. Public Works employees were present to witness the opening of McCullough's- Creek Bridge on 31st October. Mr Eldon Coates, of Grcymoutli, was persuaded by those present to perform the opening ceremony as the bridge was already for traffic. .Mr Coates in addressing those present, commented on the expeditious manner in which the ’Government pwere -tackling the the remaining streams on the main south road.

The bridge in question is a very I solid structure, being a platform bridge of three' forty feet spans, of Tron Bark, steel girders and local timber was used for decking, handrailing, etc. The bridge is a credit to the Public Works Department, and especially to Mr Roberts, the overse’er, and his staff. Mr Coates in declaring the bridge open called for three c-lieers for Overseer Roberts and staff. Mr C. Saddler in a bright little speech congratulated Overseer Roberts and staff on the completion.;-of McCullough’s Bridge to schedule. He .:\(Mr cSpdkUer ) $ eontcniplated purcli using a Moth 'plane to negotiate South Westland territory , but, .now _ that '|£ketffcfWP alf ~,the->tfeains inj Bquth JS r bridgefl, - he felt ,jc& r-j tain r travelling, by car on the south road was'equal to anything in New ' Zealand.

Mr Roberts in a few modest words, thanked. the previous, speakers ..; for- ■ iheiu-¥ind' references to himself and staff. He promised that AtcCul2lmigH’s?;hi;iclgeV would vhe jopen ,' for traffic on the Ist of November and "that was made possibleonly by. .'the’* co-operation of.the staff and .the gen-, eral supervision of their Resident Engineer, Mr Johnston. Among those present were. Mi'sses James, Larsen, Skinner, of Greymouth, Messrs E. Coates, C. Saddler, F. Roberts, 0. Donovan, J. Hansbury, W. McLaren, J. Mulvahey, W- Stopforth, Chinn, Weenink,- James, Cameron,. .-So,utherland, Mac-, mr'fis.. ; , .......