The Wirokino Bridge.

Manawatu Herald, 11 April 1899, Page 2

The Wirokino Bridge.

A word of praise to Mr J. R. Stansell, our late Mayor, is due now that the contract for the erection of the Wirokino Bridge is signed. To get this bridge has been, one may say, entirely the work of Mr Stansell, though we are glad to say that we have assisted him as far as lay in our power, as did the members of the Borough Council. But however much we all desired to see a bridge erected, and however much we were all inclined to help the late Mayor, it is acknowledged all round that it was he, by his persistency, that carried all before him. Mr Stansell kept his faith in the Government, and also relied on the support given by Mr Stevens, when other local bodies, and most of the members df his own Council, openly stated their great doubts in both. It is extremely satisfactory to find this bridge, wanted for the last thirty years, at last contracted for, and it would be ungrateful not to acknowledge as handsomely as we can our indebtedness to Mr Stansell for his untiring efforts, as well as our thanks to Mr John Stevens our member, as well as to the present Government. We have received so little consideration from any Government for years that the present attention comes all the more as a pleasant surprise. We hope some other means than simply words will be taken to present to Mr Stansell some souvenir of his connection with this bridge.