Opening of the Wirokino Bridge.

Manawatu Herald, 17 July 1900, Page 2

Opening of the Wirokino Bridge.

» A meeting of the committee appointed from the three local bodies interested in the construction of the Wirokino Bridge was held at the Library Buildings yesterday. There were present Crs J. Davies and J. Kebbell (Horowhenua County Conncil), Crs J. R. McLennan and F. m • Robinson (Manawatu County Council),

and Crs Jenks and Purcell, representing the Foxton Borough Council. Cr Davies was appointed chairman, and read the correspondence received since last meeting. Letters were read from the member Of the district (Mr J. Stevens, M.H.R.) in regard to the visit of the Governor to open the bridge, and saying that he would be accompanied by the Premier and other members of the Legislature *; also that the party would arrive by . ipecial train from Longburn at quarter j>a«t twelve on Monday, 30th, and proceed 'at once to the bridge where the formal opening could be made, returning to Foxton for lunch, and leaving again by train at 4 p.m. The question of conveying the party to the bridge for the opening ceremony was discussed, and it was decided that the offer of Mr Robt. Fraser of the 11 Matara " and " Flower of "Kent " for the purpose be accepted for the sum -ft £7. The chairman and other members thought the visitors would welcome the change of a trip on the river, and it was pointed oat that each boat would have a carrying capacity for 30 persons. Mr A. Stansell's offer to provide the luncheon decorations and liquors was accepted, and it was also resolved to advertise the opening ceremony and klncheon in the Manawatu Herald aud Levin Farmer. It was also decided to have ladies' tickets at 5s and gentlemen's tickets at 73 6d printed at once, and distributed for sale. Resolved, that the school children be asked to meet His Excellency the Governor on his arrival at Foxton and sing the National Anthem, and that afterwards the Borough Council should present an address to His Excellency at the railway station before proceeding to the steamers. The schedule of charges to be enforced at the brfdge were iully considered, and the schedule as drawn up by the committee was left over for the approval of the Foxton Borough Council. Resolve*, that the ferryman's cottage be removed to a site on the western side of the bridge, and that Messrs St. Hill and ' John. t)avies see to its removal. Proposed by. the chairman, seconded by Cr McLerinarij That Mrs Geo. Stevenson be appointed toll-keeper at the bridge for the sum of £15 per annum from Ist Aug., 1900. Carried. . It was also decided on the motion of the chairman that the Premier be waited on after the luncheon by the councillors present and other prominent men with a request that the Government 9hould bear the whole, cost of the construction of the bridge. The chairman said the Government had borne the full cost of the construction of the Otaki Bridge, some and he did not see why the same should not be done for the Wirokino, costing, thousands less. If they were not successful, no harm would be done, and they could still peg away, when they might meet with success. It was resolved to add Mr E. S. Thynne's name to the committee, and that a meeting of same be held on Monday, 23rd inst., to arrange all details in connection with luncheon and reception.