WAIHOU RIVER SPANNED

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 351, 11 May 1928, Page 1

WAIHOU RIVER SPANNED

Prime Minister Opens Bridge

ferry punt makes last trip

(SUN’S Special Reporter.)

THAMES, To-day. THE climax to years of agitation and effort was reached at Kopu, near Thames, to-day, when the new bridge across the Waihou River was formally opened by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates.

This marks the completion of an enterprise that has caused much heartburning among adjacent local bodies, as there have been differences regarding contributions payable toward the cost. To-day, however, the spirit of amity and concord marked the proceedings. Until five years ago there was no form of regular transport available across the Lower Waihou. A ferry had been established two years earlier, but no contractor could be found to operate it. Five years ago Morgan Brothers took it over, and they carried on without interruption until they ran their last trip this morning. Thus passes a familiar institution with Hauraki Plains travellers; but there are still ferries left over the Waihou at Wharepoa, and over the Piako at Pipiroa. The latter crossing will probably be the next to demand a bridge, as it is on the direct route from Thames to Auckland. Erected at a cost of over £50,000 the new Kopu Bridge is a slender structure 500yds long. It Is just wide enough for two cars to pass abreast. In addition there are fiver passing places for motor-trucks. Another feature is the swing span allowing steamers to pass up the river. EARLY BICKERING Its building was first suggested in 1910, when Mr. Henry Lowe, the Mayor of Thames, waited on the Hon. Roderick McKenzie, the then Minister of Public Works. The Minister, however, was against the plan and suggested a ferry service. He finally submitted a report from his department suggesting a crossing at either Kopu or Orongo. Much time was spent by two Royal Commissions in deciding to compel the Thames County Council to instal a ferry which, after its first trial, was condemned and left to rot on a mudbank. In the end, as the result of a conference between the Thames Borough and County Councils and the Hauraki Plains County Council, a continuous ferry was established, and later, because of continuous agitation, the Public Works Department agreed to build the bridge. The bridge expresses something more than terms of iron and mortar. Flung across t>he wide bosom of the Waihou, it stands for a definite milestone in Hauraki Plains history, and marks the close of an important era of constructive effort. Mr., Coates, accompanied by his wife, and the Hon. K. S. Williams, Minister of Public Works, arrived at Thames this morning. They were motored through the town to the Royal Hotel, where they will stay until tomorrow. > CEREMONY IN RAIN The actual opening ceremony was performed in a heavy rain shower, which necessitated the curtailment of speeches and caused considerable dis-

comfort to the large crowd present. In the course of his remarks Mr. Coates, who was introduced by Mr. H. Lowe, chairman of the Thames County Council, upheld the Government’s Public Works policy and defended its expenditure. “The moment you get a Government that says ‘stop’ to borrowing.” he said, “you will get a Government whose vision should be carefully studied before it is placed on the Treasury benches. No one realises the effect of a public debt more than I do, but at the same time one must recognise that the future of this country depends on the present development.” The Hon. K. S. Williams also spoke, after which Mrs. Bongard, Mayoress of Thames, cut the ribbon across the bridge. After general cheering the official party was then motored across the bridge. This phase of the ceremony resulted in an amusing complication, several cars getting stuck through leaving the metal on the newly-formed approaches. One of the unfortunate drivers was Mr. A. M. Samuel, M.P., who is to stand for Thames at the next election.