Visit to Wairere.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 87, 19 June 1908, Page 2

Visit to Wairere.

ll was considered by some that Sir Joseph Ward's trip to open the Wairere bridge was not feasibleor possible on aceoun! of (lie almost impassable stale i'f [lie roads, however, the Premier started from Te Kuili at o. ] k a.m.. ae, ompanied by Mr Jennmc.s and a. small party. 'ldie weather was mo;.; propji i< >us. A eloudkss sky aiiii warm sun made one iniapinc that tlie i rip would be a most pleasurable die, ,nul so it proved !o be as iar as the live-mile pe;;. Then thinas chanced ■.■onicwhat the road from iin- iivc-mile pc,<; to the bridge hcin.a a l:\in.a sea of mud variegated by el unfathomable depih. However, tile laid;:..' was safely reached. At several points on the journey, a Maoi i v.a leomc was extended to the (Vernier, and the welcome received b\ the biemier at his journey's end must haw, compensated him somewhat I'or {]} c pluck, energy mid conscientious!!ess which prompted his undertaking such a trip. The number of settlers assembled at the bridge to welcome the Premier was

truly astonishing. Their greeting was a warm one, and one could see that those assembled fully realised and predated what the visit of the meant to them.

Upon arrival Sir Joseph Ward and party were entertained to lunch by Mr and Mrs Evans, and, needless to say, was thoroughly appreciated by those present. After the good things provided had been partaken of, Sir Joseph proceeded to the bridge, where a very large concourse of spectators, settlers and their wives and families had fore-gathered. Mr O'Dwyer read an address of welcome, in which it was stated that the settlers of the district thoroughly appreciated the Premier's visit, and gave to him a most hearty welcome. Sir Joseph Ward, in reply, said that it was a pleasure for him to be present, and he fully realised that it was one of his responsibie duties to travel about and hear the requirements of the various districts. He looked upon himself, as a free man, to travel when, where and how he liked, and to study the interests of the people. When asked by a certain community to visit them, he considered it his duty, when possible, to comply with that wish, and he deemed it a pleasure to see their road that day, and was quite convinced that Mr Jennings had shown him what " porridge " was. The road, he considered, was a most interesting one, and thought he had never had a better imitation of a " ship in distress " than on his trip that day. The Premier said that it was the intention of the Government to borrow the sum of £1,000,000 for roading purposes, and that £250,000 « per annum was to be spent on the roading of the blackblocks. He stated that he considered" the Te Kuiti road should be put into such a state that it might be travelled over with comfort, and hoped that sufficient money could be devoted to it to put it into such a state. The Premier expressed his sincere sympathy forthebackblockers, and that the Government would do the very best they could with the limited means available to improve their position with regard to roads. It was the intention of the Government to assist those who had gone into the interior. The bridge, which he was there to open that day, was certainly a good one. It consisted of a span of 121 feet, and had cost the Government £1062. The timber used was ironbark, and Mr Scott, the builder, was to be congratulated upon the good work he had done. He considered that the bridge would answer a good purpose, and hoped that before many years the bridge would, on account of the increased settlement and traffic, be deemed too small, and that, should he be still in office,-he would have much pleasure in coming again to open a new and larger bridge. In conclusion, the Premier stated that had time allowed it would have given him the greatest pleasure to visit Aria, and he regretted very much in having to refuse the invitation on account of time not permitting, Mr. Jennings then presented Mra. Russell, one of the pioneers of the district, with a pair of silver scissors. Mrs. Russell then cut the ribbon and the Premier declared the bridge open. Mr. Jennings stated that he was deeply pleased and gratified to see the Premier present. He had on many occasions informed the Premier of the state of the roads in the King Country, and he thought that the Premier would now realize that his accounts had not been exaggerated. It was most gratifying to him to be present on that occasion, having known the district for many years, he could, on each occasion that he visited it, realize the increased prosperity of' the district. He could assure those assembled that he would do his upmost to secure a fair share of the £250,000 which was proposed to be allotted to the roading of the backblocks.

Mr. Etliott announced, that as time, woula not allow the deputations to wait upon the Premier at the bridge, as intended, that those interested in the deputations would go into Te Kuiti and wait upon the Premier at that place. He stated that he hoped the Premier realized the distance that those present had travelled to welcome him, especially the ladies, whom he termed the back-block heroines. He wished Sir Joseph Ward to know that the settlers fully realised the self-sacrifice that had been shown by him in being present that, day, and wished him to know that /the setllers fully appreciated his visit.

The Premier returned thanks to Mr O'Dvvyer for the hearty welcome he had received from him. Three hearty cheers were then given by those assembled for Sir Joseph Ward, Mrs Russell and Mr Jennings, afcd_ this ended a most memorable afternoon.

Too much cannot be said for' the, careful and skilful driving of Mr V, S. Hattaway, and In spite of prophesies, Mr Hattaway proved most emphatically that "where there's! a will there's a way," and along with this eulogy to Mr Hattaway, should also be coupled very great praise for his team of horses.