TRAFFIC BLOCKAGE

INCIDENT ON RAKAIA BRIDGE,

When Greek met Greek there was a tug-of-war, tradition says, but what happened wh*en two heavilyladen motor lorries met on the combined rail and road traffic bridge over the Rakaia river was realised by several Ellesmere residents the other evening when they were held up on the bridge due to this cause. Travelling from the north was a lorry laden with hay, and from the south one with a load of firewood. They met about half-way across, and on account of their size, could not pass. Of course, the usual discussion arose, and while trying to find ways and means of overcoming the blockage, vehicles began to gather—motor lorries, a bus, as well as long strings of private cars. To make matters worse, one of the lorries from the southern side had a trailer on which the ends of some logs of timber rested. Finally it was decided to clear the bridge by the vehicles from the north backing off, a rather difficult job in so restricted a space and for such a long distance. However, there were plenty of guides and advice available, and in about half an hour the way was clear, and as one of the lorries concerned in the blockage came off the bridge it was greeted with an ironical cheer. The traffic then resumed its normal course after over an hour's delay, and one of the features of the incident was the general good-humour with which the hold-up was regarded.

This is only another in the long line of incidents which show how badly the new road traffic bridge no^-j being built is needed, and construction work cannot proceed too quickly for those who have to make use of the present structure. The completion of the new bridge Will be~ hailed with gratification and relief.