Opening of the Wiroking Bridge.

Manawatu Herald, 3 July 1900, Page 2

Opening of the Wiroking Bridge.

# A meeting of representatives of the local bodies interested in the completion of the above work was held at the Library Buildipgs yesterday afternoon to arrange for a fitting opening and to consider other matters in connection with the bridge. There were present Cr J. Davies (Horowhenua CC), and Crs J. R. McLennan and F. Robinson (Manawatu CO, and Crs Jenks, Purcell, Aldridge, Baker, and Spelman representing the Foxton Borough Council. In the absence of His Worship the Mayor through illness, Cr Davies was elected chairman. The chairman apologised for the Mence of Cr Kebbell, who however wi.-'e saving that anything the meeting decided to do met with his hearty approval, ahd Cr Prouse wired his inability to attend through illness. The-corr^pondence relating to the bridge was read as received by the Town Clerk. From J. E. Fulton, C.E., as follows : — This bridge will soon be finished. About Monday, 30th July, would perhaps be a suitable day for the opening ceremony. I will ascertain from . Mr. : John Stevens whether that time would be suitable to members. Will you ' please inform the Mayor that I will see him in a few day's time in Foxton after I have consulted Mr Stevens. Another letter from Mr Fulton dated Wellington, 30th June, was as follows : — 1 have seen Mr John Stevens and he says a Monday in about three weeks' time would be the most suitable date for the opening ceremony. He suggests that the Mayor should write to him to ascertain whether the,. Governor would be disposed to accept an invitation to visit Foxton on that occasion. He would then make enquiries. In these negotiations you will of course also consult the chairmen of the other local bodies. The Premier, Ministers, and Members of the General Assembly should be invited. Mr Steven* vriU'tty' to arrange for a special train from Longburn to Foxton, so that the visitors could get to Foxton before 1 p.m., and have tli3 opening ceremony at about 2 to 2.30 p.m., leaving Foxton at 4 for Longburn again, or if that would not give sufficient time, then they would have to go by coach to Levin or "• Kereru. It would be as well for the bridge to be painted, and to look neat *_' before the opening takes place. From the Inspector. Mr Felix St. Hill, saying that the super-structure was now complete, and some fine weather was now needed in which to do the painting. A letter was read from the contractor, Mr M. O'Connor giving his consent to the opening without prejudice to the contract whenever it is ready for traffic. He was afraid he could not be present himself, but felt confident that his representative, Mr O'Donnell, would. do all in his power to make the event a pleasant one. Proposed by Cr Baker, seconded by Cr McLennan, That the Governor be requested to formally open the Wirokino Bridge, and that the Premier and also members of districts interested be asked to attend. Carried. Proposed by Cr Jenks, seconded by Cr Purcell, That the clerk write to Mr J. Stevens asking him to nterview the Governor re opening the Wirokino Bridge, also to ask the Premier and tbe members of the district to attend. Proposed by Cr Baker, seconded by Cr Purcell, That His Worship the . \Hyor, and Crs Jenks and Purcell (Foxton Borough Council), and Crs Davies and Kebbell (Horowhenua CC). and Crs Robinson and McLennan (Manawatu CC), be appointed. as a committee to arrange for opening Wirokino Bridge. Carried. , . • ; Proposed by Cr Baker, seconded by Cr McLennan, That the present toll on Wirokino Ferry be reduced one-half upon opening of bridge, and that all parsons with their horses, bicycles and carriages using the bridge on Saturday be allowed to return free on Monday, and that bona fide Ministers of 4be ...- Gospel and Salvation Army officers be. „ allowed to use the bridge free of charge, and that a committee, consisting of His Worship the Mayor, and Crs Jenks and Purcell (Foxton Borough Council), and Crs Robinson and McLennan (Manawatu CC), and Crs Davies and Kebbell (Horowhenua C, . C), to arrange for the appointment of.. a caretaker and toll-taker, Ac, and site,. . of house for the term ot twelve month^; from the date ot opening bridge^;* Carried. Proposed by Cr Baker,.seconded by Cr Purcell, That the Bridge contractor be informed that this Council objects to the public using the bridge, and if allowed, he does so at his own risk and cost. Carried.