THE WHATAWHATA BRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1371, 14 April 1881, Page 3

THE WHATAWHATA BRIDGE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sic, — In a " communicated " local of a late issue of The Waiicato Times, referring to the opening of the Whatawhata Bridge, a suggestion was offered that it would be a suitable opportunity for Mr Whitaker to address his constituents. To such a course of action on the part of the member for - the district many would object, as the entertainment to be given on the opening of the Bridge was undertaken and intended to be carried out on social principles. Any attempt now by Mr Whitaker's friends to divert the day intended for sport and enjoyment to electioneering purposes, would produce a disagreeable effect, and mar the comfort of many who will come there to enjoy themselves, instead of listening to the dry bones of electioneering speeches. If Mr Whitaker wishes to address his constituents before going to "Wellington, it might be well to choose another time than that suggested, as he will have many questions to answer which it would take a first-class lawyer to reply to, and at the same time j he would preserve a character for ] political consistency, as acts must be contrasted with previous electioneering pledges. As to the remark that the Whatawhata Bridge is entirely due to Mr Whitaker's exertions, it may pass for what it is *worth, as any person with the slightest knowledge of a not very remote past cannot be deceived by such transparent electioneering claptrap. Since 1869 we have had twelve successive Governments in New Zealand and during that time about' £25,000,000 of borrowed money has been spent or squandered in different parts of the colony, and though petitions and .representations were repeatedly forwarded to the different Governments, pointing out the necessity that existed for assistance iv opening main roads which the local bodies were unable to do for themselves, no notice was taken till 1877 and 1878, when the .road over the Raglan ranges was made, giving egress to those who had been isolated for more thati 20 yeors. The main road through the Newcastle and Tuhikaramea districts was also commenced, and the preliminaries for the Whatawhata bridge and the HamiltonWhatawhata road across the swamp so far advanced that no succeeding Government could ignore the necessity for their completion. These are great- and established advantages, and it is but fair to hold in grateful remembrance the Government which was the means of our obtaining them, and also to remember with thanks the exertions of the hard-working member who then represented us. — I am, &c., A Quiet' Observer, ■ • ■ ' • Waipa. Whatawhata, AprU 11 ,^v , , Vl . "'