BRIDGE-OPENING CEREMONY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 70, 22 March 1916, Page 2

BRIDGE-OPENING CEREMONY.

ENTERPRISE AT KARAKA. The enterprise of the Papakura and Kanaka districts in supplying the essentwl auxiliaries to progress of good means of communication lias been exemplified in the erection of two large ferro-concrete bridges, one across the Hingaia River and the other across the Whangamairie. The former is 375 ft long and llift wide being supported by ferro-concrete piles r.Oft apart, while the Whansamairie Bridge is 220 ft long and ltift wide; the two bridges having been built ior the Karaka Road Board at a cost of .£4950. which was contributed by the Papakura and Karaka Road Boards aud the owners of the Karaka estate. Yes-1 terdaj- afternoon the bridges were formally opened, and a large number of residents of the locality gathered to witness the Prime Minister (Right Hon. W. F. Massey) perform the ceremony. The function was mnde a pleasant Bocial outing by the dispensing of afternoon tea by a committee of ladies, and music by the Papakura Town Band. The Kamka Road Board had erected a large marquee on the Papakura bank of the Hingaia, in which a large number of ladies, under the supervision iof Mrs. Batty, dispensed dainty refreshi ments to a very large number of visitors, who had gathered from miles around. The Rt. Hon. Mr. Massey (Prime Minis ter) .arrived shortly after 2 pjn. in Air. Lloyd's motor, and after greeting many friends took his scat on the platform, being accompanied by Mr. J. Batty (chairman of the Karaka Road Board), Mrs. Batty, and Messrs. McKenzic .(.chairman of the Manukau County Council). J. Flannigan (chairman Franklin County Council}, D. Stewart (chairman Papakura Towu Board)] Mr. J. Batty, chairman of the Karaka Road Board, presided over the.gathering and made a capital speech, which was loudly applauded. Speeches were also delivered by Mr. D. Stewart, chairman o" the Papakura Road Board, and Mr. J. Flannigan, chairman of the Franklin County Council. It was stated that the Karaka district had i made remarkable progress in recent years. The new bridges would provide a great stimulus to settlement, and would greatly enhance the value of the district. Mr. H. R. McKenzie, chairman of the Manukau County Council, said the Auckland Harbour Board had given the Karaka Road Board every assistance in connection with the construction of the bridges. In declaring the two bridges open for traffic, Mr. Massey complimented the district and the engineer, Mr. R. F. Moore, upon having built such fine and lasting structures. Mrs. Batty cut the ribbon across the Hingaia Bridge,.the party not going on to the other bridge owing to the lateness of the hour. From the bridge Mr. Alassey- proceeded back to Papakura to lay the foundation stone of the Methodist Hall. A large number of people were assembled, and after addresses by the Revs. Lawry, Cox, and Potter (minister of the local" Methodist Church), the atones were land by Mr. F. W. Maascy, Messrs. Caughey, Trcnwith. and Evans. At the close of the proceedings, a collection, -which amounted to £40, wae taken up in aid of the building fund. Afternoon tea was dispensed. Jn the evening of Tuesday, the Prime Minister was entertained by the prominent citizens of Papaknra at a dinner in the Pnpakura Hotel, Mr. D. Stewart (chairman of the Town Board) presiding. The Rev. W. C. Wood proposed "The Fighting Forces of the F.mpire," dealing mainly with the Imperial aspect of the war. which was enthusiasticaJry received. "The Guest" was proposed by the chairman. Mr. Moesey. after thanking the company for the reception they had given him, delivered an inspiring patriotic address. The toast, "The Chairman," concluded a most congenial gathering.