KOWAI TRAFFIC BRIDGE.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15139, 1 December 1914, Page 10

KOWAI TRAFFIC BRIDGE.

OFFICIAL OPENING

I The official opening of tiro traffic 'bridge across tho Kowai river, between Springfield and Kowai Bush, took place- on Saturday afternoon. Nearly all the residents in the district turned out for the ceremony. The bridge has been erected about midway between the railway bridge and tho old Kowai Bush crossing. The structure is 220 feet long, divided, into eleven spans of 20ft each, with steel girders. Mr James Seymour (chairman of tho Tawera County Council) gave- an account of the efforts that had been made during the last 35 years to get a bridge. Owing to lack of funds or disagreement as to site, all had dropped through, but about two years ago tho County Council, assisted by a grant of £830 from the Government, found itself in a position to go on with the work, and they now had the result before them. He considered the work had been skilfully planned by the engineers (Messrs Paterson and Newton), who were unfortunately unablo to be present at the gathering, and faithfully carried out by Mr Iladecke, Hie contractor, at a cost for the briuge and cuttings of £1823 11s. Mr \V. J. Dickie, who has represented the district in Parliament during the past three years, gave a humorous account of his first trip across the Kowai when ho addressed the electors of Kowai Rush last election, tho river being in flood at the time. He felt quite sure the bridge would l>o a great boon to tho residents on both sides, and the cost of maintenance would bo much less than the old font. Mr Hsickfrtt, as a resident of Kowni Bush for the last for'y-nine years, said he was sure this was *.he best site for a bridge, and if only the piles were driven deen enoueh. the bridge would stand for many years. Mr W\ J. Atkinson spoke of the great convenience the bridge would bo to tho locality. Hearty cheers were given for Mr Dickie. Mr Seymour. Mrs Seyjour, Messrs Paterson and _Newton, and the contractor. The ribbon was then cut by Mrs Seymour, who declared the bridge open for traffic. Those present walkfl ncro«s to a marquee. wV>prp a bountiful afternoon tea was provided. A I'at wns pn.ssed rrvmid for fnibscriptio'K for the ''oor of witli the result: that £111 was '•nlWt<>d. This infl.Tr"'! , n o'npiiue for £100 given by Mr P. H. Johnson. Alfotrof-her » vm-y Tilfre-ant afternoon wfK- s"<>it, notwithstanding a cold easterly wind.