WAIHARAKEKE BRIDGE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 213, 2 December 1909, Page 2

WAIHARAKEKE BRIDGE.

Openin.tr Ceremony, C. Rose and othc-rs. ]c*ft ior th<~ bridge, arriving about mid-day. The : a was received by Mr \Y. J. Shaw, County Chairman, who called upon Mr Jonathan, Councillor for the riding, to : introduce Mr Jennings. Mr Jonathan said they were all glad to welcome Mr Jennings to the district particularly in view of the fact thai his visit was for the purpose of opening such an important work. The completion of the bridge marked an epoch in the history of the district. Where mud had once reigned supreme j they now had a bridge, and the next I most important work was to have the roads leading to the bridge completed. Mr Shaw, in referring to the visit of Mr Jennings said they, all appreciated the action of their member in coming all the way from Wellington to open the bridge. The work was the most important of its kind in the Kawhia Country, and it was extremely gratifying to know that the Government had appreciated the fact in coming to their assistance in a manner that exceeded their expectations. He had great pleasure in calling upon Mr Jennings to perform the opening ceremony. Mr Jennings who was greeted with hearty applause, said it gave him great pleasure to be present, and he regarded it is an honour to perform the ceremony. In a district like Kawhia roads and bridges were vitally necessary to progress. During the past seven years he had fought strenuously for roads and bridges in the interests of the backblocks, and be would keep on fighting for another seven years in such a great cause. Before referring to the bridge Mr Jennings said he would like to say a word to his Maori friends. He would point out to them the fact that progress was not possible in a district as long as the land remained idle. All land in the Dominion should be utilised and made to contribute to the wealth of the country. As long as land remained idle it was not only nonproducing; it whs retarding the progress of the whole district. The sooner the Native lands were made produc tive, either by Maoris or Europeans the better it would be for the country. The proper thing was for all to join bands and work for the common good. Referring to roads Mr Jennnigs said it was the duty of the Government to push ahead the main roads and maintain them. They were of equal importance to railways and should be regarded as such. As far as Kawhia was concerned Mr Jennings said he could picture that 20 years hence there would be large steamers trading to a busy centre, with freezing works established on the harbour front, and industries established in places that were at present given over to fern anscrub. There was a great future ahead of the district and as far a? lm efforts were concerned they would be directed towards making both present and future as bright as possible. The bridge which he had come to open had been started on January 19th, and completed in November, the work having been carried out by Mr Scott under the supervision of Mr T. Burd of the Roads Department. The bridge had a length of 265 feet, or 537 feet including the approaches, the cost being £2250, and it was he largest bridge in the Kawhia district. Mr Jennnigs again expressed his pleasure at commit to take part in the ceremony, ar.c asked Mrs Sbaw to cut the ribbon. Those present led by Mrs Shaw ar:: Mr Jennings, then crossed the bridge which was declared open for trainc.