NEW ROAD BRIDGE.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18550, 27 November 1925, Page 11

NEW ROAD BRIDGE.

FOUR YEARS IN MAKING. (PKESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) I>AltfiAVIL-L.E, November 2S. The official opening of the Northern Wairoa Bridge took place yesterday in showery and boisterous weather. The ceremony was performed by. the Hon. J. G. Coates, Prime Minister, assisted bv the Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister of Lands. The ribbon was out by Mrs F. A. Jones, Mayoress of Dargaville. The Prime Minister congratulated the district on the completion of the bridge, which was one of the largest road bridges in tho Dominion. It is built ot ferro-concrete. steel, and hardwood, and is 1578 ft long, with approaches of 15 chains, and an opening span of 60ft to allow large steamers to go through on their journey up and down the .river.

The total cost was £60.000. and js being borne by the Dargavillo Borough Council, the Hobson County Council, the Government, and the Main Highways Board. The builders were G. M. Fraser and Sons. Tlie chief contractor died during the course of the currency of the contract and the work was completed by the trustees. The Bridge, which has been over four years in building, opens up a large tract of rich farming lands, and is a very important link in the main highways system of Xorth Auckland. A banquet to celebrate the occasion was held in the evening, but unfortunately Mr Coatee, who had caught a chill, was unable to attend.