LINKING UP THE BACKBLOCKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 331, 25 January 1911, Page 5

LINKING UP THE BACKBLOCKS.

OPENING OF BRIDGE ACROSS MOKAU RIVER.

There was a large gathering of settlers of the Mapara settlement and surrounidng districts yesterday to celebrate the opening of the new bridge across the Mokau river. The i bridge which cost slightly over £SOO, I was gaily decorated with bunting and i evergreens and presented a very pleas- | ing aspect. This useful structure has been put across the river in record time, and will be of great benefit to the distirct. Settlers who have had experience of the angry moments of the Mokan know and appreciate its worth. Splendid arrangements were made for the day's outing, and a quantity of good things wasTm hand. The children bad their sports and games and had a very enjoyable time. The picnic was run by the Mapara Settlers' Association, and reflects great creJit on the committee, who were a3 follows: —Messrs Helms (chairman), Griffin, Batea, Gornson, Robertson, McLean and Johnston (secretary). A strong committee of ladies also did splendid work in the dispensing of refreshments. An apology was received from the Hon. R. McKensie, stating that owing to previous engagements he was unable to be present. He, however, wished them all a happy time. Mr W. T. Jennings, M.P., who was introduced by Mr Helms, chairman of the Association, said that he was gratified to be present to declare their new bridge open. People in big towns and cities might think that their bridge was a small affair, but his 10 years' experience in the King Country made him aware of what a bridge such as the one they were opening that day meant to settlers. He was very pleased to see the progress made by settlers in the short time that they had been en their farms. He hoped that next year they would be taking a ton of butter per week over the bridge. Mr Jennings paid a tribute to Mr Forsyth, the builder, for the capable and faithful manner in which he had done bis work. He would like to see the Public Works Department adopt the same vigorous policy in the matter of bridges as the Mapara one. Mr Jennings defended the borrowing policy of the Government, and continued that it was necessary to obtain money to improve the land. In school matters he advised unanimity, in order that they might get a school for their boys and girls as early a<s possible. Mr Jennings said that it was absolutely disgraceful the way that settlers between Te Awamuiu and Ohakune were being treated by the Railway Department in not being allowed to travel by goods train. Between Baimerston and Wellington, where people had many trains during the day, they could travel bv goods train. The position in this part was extraordinary. Regarding the liquor question Mr Jennings contended that residents of the King Country should have the rights of citizenship. He believed that the people should have the right of deciding for themselves, Mr Jennings then called upon Mrs Helms to cut the ribbon after which he declared the bridge open. Hearty cheers for Mr Jennings terminated a very pleasant ceremony.