OPENING OF THE MOUTOA BRIDGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 419, 4 August 1908, Page 3

OPENING OF THE MOUTOA BRIDGE.

A Successful Function.

|Mr Stevens Honoured.

The somewhat belated formal cere

mony of opening the Moutoa Bridge, which, by the way, will in future dosignate the structure, was performed by Mr John Stevens, M.P., yesterday afternoon. The performance of this ceremony by Mr Stevens, will remain IB one of the last public acts in a portion of his old electorate now included in Otaki. Tbe weather, though chilly, was fine, and there .was a very icpresentative gathering present, including the Hon. James Carroll, Native Minister, Mr Field, M.P. for Otaki, the Mayor and Crs Hennessy, Gray, Shadholt, of Foxton, Crs Clau en (Palmerston), Chairman Ridhards, Horowhenua County Council, Crs E. B. McKenzie and W. Barber (Manawatu County Council), J. M. O’Connor, J. E. Stansell, Kawle, M. Moynihan (Shannon citizens), Carter, W. Bowe, Edwards, F.' Easton, and other well-known Moutoa residents and settlers ' throughout the d's ■ trict, and leading natives, pressCQ representing the Evening Post, Dominion, N.Z. Times, Palmerston Times and Standard, Herald and Farmer. Two cabbage trees were placed at the poitalsof the bridge, and the motto: “ Welcome to All,” adorned the side. About 3 o’clock the Parliamentary party arrived, and Mr Stevens was driven to the centre of the bridge, and red, white and bine ribbons were stretched across.

Mr Richards, chairman of the local body in which the control of the bridge is vested, in addressing Mr Stevens, gave a brief outline of the history connected with the erection of the structure, the total cost of which he stated was £5,700. He paid a tribute to the engineer and contractors, and presented Miss Stevens with a pair of scissors with which to sever the tape. Mr Stevens, M.P., who was heartily received, expressed his pleasure at being present to perform the important ceremony. The erection of the bridge linked up the old with the new. He referred to the hardships endured by the settlers in the early days. The cost in terries and tolls alone to the settlers travelling between Wellington and Rangitikei was ten shillings, which they paid for the privilege of getting wet. The amount they paid for this purpose in the old days was now sufficient to carry them by rail to Wellington. He paid a tribute to the early ferrymen in the Manawalu 1, making mention of Mr Tom Bowe and Miratana Rangi Hiwinui, the latter who workid the terry at Te Wharangl (Foxton Heads), also to Mr Pigott. H« told an amusing story of the old native ferryman, who, when tendered a cart wheel (five shilling piece) for ferry service, which was six p nee, had not any change ; travelled all the way to Otakito convert the huge coin into smaller pieces in order to secure his fare. He referred to Burr’s lerry, over which the late Edward J. Wakefield was taken across in the early forties. He related how, in the fifties, he had the privilege of spending a holiday at MrChas. Hartley’s, and the method of crossing the rivers in those days. The Maoris had hundreds of canoes along the banks of the Manawatu, in which they conveyed their dressed flax, maize, potatoes, and pigs, to the traders of those early times, namely, Messrs McGiven, Gray, and Cook. Where Messrs Smith and Carter now reside, were then extensive Maori plantations. The change from canoe to punt marked a great advance in the ferry service, and the erection ot the bridge that day marked a iurlher epoch, giving better communication to the settlers. He hoped before long to see the Manawatu and the Wairarapa linked up by means of a track over the Tararuas, which would enable the Wairarapa people to bring their stock across and visit one of the finest sanatoriums in the Dominion. He eulogised the engineer who designed the bridge, and the contractors for the faithful manner in which they had carried out the erection. The delay in completion was not due to them, but to other causes over which they had no control. He also referred to the local bodies who bad combined to carry out this im portant work, and to those who were responsible for the present ceremony. He' then asked big daughter, Miss Stevens, to cut the ribbons, and called for three cheers for all connected with the erection of the structure, Cheers were then given for Mr and Miss Stevens and the ceremony concluded.

DEPUTATIONS. At Shannon during the afternoon several deputations were introduced to the representative of the ministry in reference to the construction of a bridle track over the ranges to connect Shannon and Eketahuna. It was pointed out that although the people pn either side of the range were only a few miles apart they were comparetire strangers, To get to the Wakarapa from Manawatu it was necessary to travel long distances either via Palmerston North or Wellington, A road already existed between Palmer, ston and Pahiatua. Mr Field who endorsed Mr Stevens’ remarks was in favour of two roads being constructed one connecting Shannon and Eketahuna and one between Otaki and Greytown. The distance between settlements on either side of the ranges was comparatively short, in fact on the Otaki side half the distance was aepomplished by a metalled road and settlement was yearly increasing to the mountains on either side. Jt was only a fair thing for the settlers to ask the Government to make the connections by means of bridle tracks and ultimately by cart roads.' He had already interviewed the Minister on this subject and the latter appeared to look upon the construction of these roads more in the nature of a luxury than necessity. A survey had been made between Eketahuna and Shannon and the people on either side were very much in earnest and keen on having the roads accomplished. Mr Rawle rp£d 4 Ipngthy communication on the subject of road communication between ghannop and Eketahpna from the Eket§.huß4 Chamber of Commerce, setting forth details of survey and approxk mate costs of construction of a dray road and a six foot track, the former would cost £7,250 and the latter £2bOO. Mr Moynihan referred to the disabili ties under which stock buyers were now placed through having to travel long distances by road with stock between the Manawatu and Wairarapa. If the track was formed it would be of gopsi(Jerable benefit in transporting of stock, as Wairarapa people would then have direct communication with the oxton port via the newly-erected Moutoa bridge: Mr Stangml endorsed the previous speaker’s remarks, and stated that Foxton, Shannon, and Eketahuna communities were unanimous in their desire to have this track constructed.

MrHenneasy, chairman of the Foxton Chamber ot Commerce, heartily supported the proposal, and pointed out

the great benefits that would accrue to the Wairarapa people by being brought to within 32 miles of the port. Tbe Foxton people would lend all their support to tbe agitation. Mr J. M. O’Connor referred to what had been done, and considered the construction of the road a matter of national importance, and Government should consider it as such. He referred to the active part Mr Stevens had taken in this matter. £IOO had been placed on the Estimates, but not expended. He hoped that Mr Stevens would continue his efforts to have a sum placed on the Estimates this session for this important work. Mr W.C. Nation said that the first effort had been made to have c miimplication established between Eke tahuna and Shannon fifteen years ago, and when he establised his paper at that time, his first leading article had been in reference to the subject. He hoped the time would soon cime when the road would be an established fact.

The Hon. Mr Carroll replied at length to the statements made. The subject had already been before Cabinet. The gap between the two settlements had been reduced every year. The settlers on cither side ot the range were well served by the railways and roads. The whole question was one of money. There were many requirements to be attended to all ever the Dominion, and Cabinet was put to its utmost test to meet the requirements of the most deserving cases He was in entire sympathy with the lequest of the deputation, as requirements of a similar nature were necessary even in his own electorate. If ii were possible to accede to the wishes of the deputation, justice would be done, but he could not hold out any hopes. THE KIVERs’ COMMISSION.

Several of the deputation referred to the Commission set up to enquire and report in reference to the overflowing of the Manawatu and Oroua rivers. It was pointed out to the Minister that the Horowhenua County Council had refused to give evidence before that commission.

Mr John Stevens introduced the deputation, and although lie said his firm was an interested party, yet he never allowed his private interests to come before his public duties. He believed in backing up any legislation or reform which gave the greatest good to the greatest number. Mr Law referred to the effects of the flood water on the low lying lands in the Shannon district. He said there was a movement afoot to abolish the small river protective governing bodies and to constitute one large controlling body. He did not think that such a governing body as suggested would carry out protective works, etc., as was now being done by the several smaller hoards. Mr Stevenson considered that it would be suicidal on the part of the Horowhenua County Council not to attend and give evidence before the Commission.

Mr Stansell referred to the necessity of cutting an overflow channel which wonhl minimise the damage done by floods in the area affected. The late Mr Scddon had suggested the setting up of a Board to control the Manawatu River from the Gorge to the heads, bat Palmerston had stood out, and now they were asking for the very thing they previously opposed. The Minister, in reply, strongly urged upon every local body giving evidence before he Commission in order that the report should be complete in detail and enable the Commissioners to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion. THE HANQUET. A farewell banquet to Mr John Stevens and to commemorate the open'ing of the Moutoa Bridge, was held in the Shannon Hall last evening. Owing to the redistribution of electoral boundaries, a portion of the constitu* ency so long and honourably sented in Parliament by Mr Stevens, is now included in the Otaki electorate, the area consisting of the townships of Shannon and Moutoa down to the Foxton Borough boundary. A number of Mr Stevens’ supporters felt that they could not allow him to sever his connection with that part of his old constituency without showing him some mark of appreciation and esteem and the following Committee were appointed to carry out the details of the banquet; —Messrs W- S. and S. \V. Carter, M. Moynihan, P. O’Connell, S. Smith, F. Denton, F. May, J. R. Stansell, E. Law, J. M. O’Connor, T. C. Dunckley, C. B. Robinson, Inge, Gunning, Mitchell, Stevenson, Venn, and Rawle (Secretary). The ministry was represented by Hon. Carroll and Parliament by Messrs Field (Otaki), A. W. Hogg (Masterton). The local bodies were represented by Mayor Gower, Crs Stiles, Hennessy, and Shadbolt (Foxton) ; Richards, (Chairman Horowhenua County Council); Councillors McKenzie and W. Barber, (Manawatu County Council); Cr Clausen, (Palmerston Borough Council) s and prominent settlers representing the surrounding district, Apologies were received from the Prime Minister, who paid a glowing tribute to Mr John Stevens, Dr Chappie and W. T. Wood M.’sP. The Chairman of the Eketahuna Chamber of Commerce, F. W. Venn, Jas. E. Fulton, Jas. McLeavey, Harrison, B, Gardner (Mayor of Levin), H. Grieg, J. A. Nash (Mayor ot Palmerston), and John Davies. Included among those present were a large number of ladies, among whom were Mrs A* W. Hogg and Miss Stevens,

Mr J. M. O’Connor presided, and on his right was the guest of the evening and on his left the Hon. Jas. Carroll. The following toast list was honcured: (Chairman). “ The Ministry ” (Mr Richards —responded to by the Hon. Jas. Carroll, who referred to his long association with the guest of the evening, with whom there had always been mutual good feeling and harmony. He had always relished the influence of Mr Stevens’ personality, and his solid character. Mr Stevens’ life had bpen clpsely associated with the development of this country. As a public man tbe finger of enmity poiUd not point to one blemish on Mr John Stevens’ character. The Minister then dealt at length with the Native policy, which space precludes our dealing with at present. Mr Nation in a breezy speech proposed the toast of Parliament. In doing so lie paid a tribute to Mr John Stevens, and felt sure that all his friends wished him well, and hoped he would be again returned as the representative of Manawatu.

Mr'Field, in respqnding, referred to the object of the gathering. In Mf Stevens be had found a guide, coun> sellqr and friend, and if it fell to his lot to replace Mr Stevens, he did not think he would be able to fill the place occupied in their hearts by the guest. Mr Stevens had fought strenuously against parting with this portion of the electorate, but the Commissioners were inexorable.

He then referred to the requirements of the district, which would receive his close and constant attention.

Mr Hogg expressed his pleasure at being present, and regretted that Mr Stevens was unable to see as he did the assemb’age and the smiling faces of those assembled to do him honour, and referred to his close companionship with Mr Stevens. He hoped that the residents of Eketabuna and Shannon, as the result of the construction of the road across the ranges, would soon be able to “ rub noses.” His res marks in reference to the proposed Foxton Harbour Board, of which he is a strenuous supporter, proved the hit of the evening. He said Mr Stevens, with the aid of Hennessy’s 3 n Star Whiskey, was going to pass the Harbour Board Bill, It the Ministry refused to pass the Bill, then Hennessy would go up and the Ministry would go down. Mr J. M. O’Connor proposed the guest of the evening m a very able speech. Mr Stevens, in reply, was received with three ringing cheers. He said that no one could feel happier than he did when he glanced back over the past quarter of a century, and remembered thegreat kindness he had received at the hands ot his fellow settlers; it made him feel that life was really worth living. He referred to the two sides in politics, which were ncccs aiy for the purpose of progress. On all occasions the personal kindness uniformally extended hv the majority made him feed one of the proudest men in the Dominion. The go id people of Shannon had always treated him with lavish kindness and the greatest courtesy. Ho regretted that Shannon had been severed from the old el ctoratc, hut the erection ot thelnidg: would keep him and them in close touch. He wmnld always take the deepest interest in the welfare and pro perity of the district. He feelingly acknowledged the kindly remarks that had been uttered by the previous speakers, and referred at some length to the life and work of Parliament, and to the laws which were passed for the betterment of (he people as a whole. He referred to his feelings when Ministers had been compelled to refuse grants for public works in his constituency, but after reflection had come to the conclusion that he would have been compelled to act as they did under similar circumstances. Without perseverance and patience, little could be achieved in politics. The purity of our political life, our courts, etc., was the envy of other countries. He then referred to the question of “ Labour and Capital,” and urged upon all individual effort. He was not a Socialist, and would not support any legislation which gave a temporary advantage followed by disaster. We should see that everyone obtained sufficient to eat and referred briefly to the thousands in London who did not know where the next meal was coming from. Such a deplorable state of things should not be allowed to exist. He referred to Sir Joseph Ward as one of the most brilliant statesmen in the British Empire. He hoped that the people of New Zealand would not “swap horses” when crossing the stream. His statement that lie intended to contest the Manawatn seat at the forthcoming general election was received with cheers, and if elected, he would continue to serve his constituents to the best of his ability, and it would always give him pleasure to do what he could to further the interests of that portion of his old constituency. Other toasts were—Local Bodies, Contractor and Engineer, Local Industries, The Ladies, The Press and The Visitors.