THE BEALEY ROUTE

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 65, 14 September 1936, Page 7

THE BEALEY ROUTE

A NEW CHAPTER

WAIMAKARIRI BRIDGE \

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHRIST CHURCH, September. 13. When the Minister of Transport' (the Hon. R. Semple), using a pair of gold scissors, cut a ribbon placed acEoss the entrance to the new traffic bruige over the Waimakariri River at Bealcy on Saturday and a procession of .fifteen motor-cars passed over tha bruige from east to west, a new chapter was opened in the history of transport'jbetween Canterbury and the West Ccfrst. In the leading motor-car were Ihe Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbe^, member '-tor the district, the Mayor of Christchijrch (Mr. J. W- Beanland), and the T*vu Clerk of Christchurch (Mr. J. TS. Neville). The ceremonyl was earned out in drenching rain and the proceedings were spoiled on that account. Mr. Semple and Mr. Forbes made sljort speeches, congratulating the district on the fact that the Waimakariri River, which had for so long offered a serious obstacle to traffic, had now been bridged. Mr. Semple said that after his experience on the trip from Chri&tchurch he was satisfied that things could not be allowed to remain as they were. His car had become very nearly bogged jn the Bruce River and with that memory stamped on his mind he would not rest until that river had been bridged: Also, there were .other streams and creeks* as well as rough portions of the road that required attention to bring road transport between Canterbury and the West Coast up.to date. These matters would be carried out without delay.