KOKATAU BRIDGE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4284, 25 November 1892, Page 2

KOKATAU BRIDGE.

' Opening Celebration, The ceremony in connection with the opening of the Kokatau bridge took place yesterday in the presence of a large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen from Carterton, Greytown and the surrounding district, our friends of Carterton observing a half holiday in honour of tho event. The bridge, which spans the Kuamalmnga, is situated at a point some seven miles south of Carterton, and affords access to a very large scope of country. It lias just been completed by the contractor, Mr Dawson, who has every reason to he proud of his handiwork. The ceremony took place at two o'clock in the afternoon, and for some bourn previous the road from Carterton to the scene of action was thronged with equipages of various kinds, which lent a gay and animated appearance to the line of route. The weather behaved most beautifully, and the day's outing was thoroughly onjoyed by all and sundry. , ' .

A strong Committee, under tho leadership of Mr H.P.'Bunny, had the management of the affair, and acquitted themselves in a manner which gave satisfaction to all, The centre of the bridge' was occupied by a long row of tables loaded with good things of every description, including an almost unlimited quantity of bottled ale, and protected over llead by an awniug of canvas strotobed across from tho treaties, which formed a splendid shelter during a portion of the meal, but'unfortunately the display of canvas attraote'd a breeze and then thero was trouble, it became necessary to .shorten sail without delay, and the rest of the performance had to prooeed under less favourable circumstances.

Mr H, R; Bunny occupied the chair at one end, supported at his right by MvW. 0, Buolianan, while Mr Braithwaite filled the vicn-ohtur. The usual loyal toasts, including the Governor, the Army and Navy, and Volunteers, were disposed of as well aB .some of tile ale, after which the Ohairman proposed the Government of New Zealand, coupled with the name of Mr W. 0. Buchanan, whom he was pleased to see among them on that occasion. (Applause). Mr Bnchanan replied in a capital speeob. He Eaid he felt grateful to tbern for the manner in which-they had received the toast of the Parliament,, with which his name had been coupled. He reminded tliem that the Parliament was exactly what the people themselves made it. In one respect it resembled all other institutions, it was very human and liable to errors, The life of a representative of the people was far from being smooth or pleasant, although for his own part he had never received tnything but kindness at the hands of bis constituents, and ho felt proud at being chosen as their representative four times in succession (applause). Referring to the Kokatau • bridge, he said he considered it a privilege, indeed, to take part in throning open to the public such a noble and substantial - struoturo. .He thought that it reflected the highest credit on the contractor and the Engineers under whose supervision the work had been carried out. He pointed out that the opening of a bridge snob as that meant something more than more convenience for traffic, it meant civilisation and progress. He would now call upon Miss Bunny, the eldest daughter of their respected Chairman, to break' the customary bottle of champagne and declare the bridge open to tbe public, Miss Bunuy then came forward and liberated the imprisoned wine and declared the bridge open amidst loud applause. Then followed the toast of The Contractor and the Engineer, which wasfeeliogly responded to by Mr Dawson, The local bodies came next, coupled with the name of the Chairman, Mr M. B. Bunny, which was appropriately acknowledged by that gentleman. The toast of the ladies was proposed by Mr F, H, Wood in a i humorous speech, which he ended in calling upon Mr Nat Grace and Mr Buchanan as the most , promising bachelors ho could see to respond on their behalf.

Mr Buolianan, in responding to the toast, said he hardly considered himself a promising bachelor as he was afraid lie bad been much too long on the shelf to stand even a ghost of a show in the eyes of the fair, but he would do his best to secure the franchise for them, notwithstanding. The toast of the press, coupled with the names of Messrs Nation, McKenzio and Mason, wan briefly responded to by Mr Nation, of tho Greytown Standard; and Mr Mason on behalf 'of tho Wairarapa Daily Tiues, after which various other toasts were proposed, and duly honoured. Tbe spectators soon after dispersed, well satisfied with their day's outiug.