PRIME MINISTER OPENS TWO BRIDGES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 395, 2 July 1928, Page 16

PRIME MINISTER OPENS TWO BRIDGES

LUNCHEON AT PAHIATUA Press Association PAHIATUA, Saturday. The Prime Minister, Mr. Coates, and the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. K. S. Williams, visited Pahiatua to-day. Mr. Coates opened the ferro-concrete bridge at Ngaturi at noon. He was welcomed by Mr. S. Bolton, county chairman. Before a large assembly Mrs. Bolton, wife of the chairman, cut the ribbon, and Mr. Coates broke a bottle of champagne on the new structure. Addresses were also given by Mr. Williams and Mr. E. A. Ransom, M.P. for the district. Later luncheon was served at the Commercial Hotel. Mr. Bolton presided. Replying to the toast of the Government, Mr. Coates dealt with the very difficult period through which the country had passed. He said the outlook was now brighter, as was shown by the increasing exports and the prices realised for the Dominion’s products. The Prim e Minister referred to the action taken by the Government to relieve unemployment and the assistance being given to primary producers by rural credit schemes. Mr. Coates paid a tribute to the pioneers. He pointed out that in the past certain liabilities had been incurred by local bodies which made it difficult for farmers. He urged that every care be taken against this in future. Mr. Williams mentioned the efforts made by the Government to assist settlers and give better access to those in the backblocks. Mr. Williams £aid a glowing tribute to Mr. Bolton, chairman of the county council, who had done great service fo.r the community. Rousing cheers were given for Mr. Bolton, who was described a a “Pahiatua’s grand old man.” Mr. Coates and Mr. Williams then went on to Mangatainoka to open a bridge there.