PAREMATA BRIDGE

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 82, 3 October 1936, Page 11

PAREMATA BRIDGE

OPENED TODAY

A POPULAR EVENT

Many. years ; of effort by publicspirited citizens culminated this afternoon with the official opening of the 'Paremata Bridge by the Hon. R. Semple (Minister of Transport). It is nearly 30 years since agitation commenced for shorter, access to Plimmerton and the surrounding district, but it. was not until about 1930 that vigorous negotiations were re-opened. For many years the Railway Department has had the privilege of a shorter route to the popular seaside resort by reason of a bridge across the northern .arm of the Porirua Harbour close to the new traffic bridge, and the motoring public realised that. "to maintain the. long detour around Pahautanui Harbour was not in keeping with modern ideas of transport. Persistent efforts by the Hutt County Council have resulted in the -building of the new bridge, which cuts down'the journey to Plimmerton and. back- by about 14 miles.

Hundreds of people were present for the opening ceremony, which was a gay one despite the overcast weather. The bridge was bedecked with flags, and. local school children, each with a flag, lent colour to the scene. After the cutting of the tape the official party, the children, and the visitors, preceded by the Port Nicholson Silver Band., marched over the bridge. Afternoon tea was provided for the visitors. One of the Railway Department's new rail-cars carried the official party to Paremata. . .' •

In addition to Mr. Semple, speeches were made by Mr. D. R. Hoggard, chairman of the Hutt County Council, Mr. L: G. Low'ry, M.P., Mr. R. L. Button, councillor for the Taupo riding of the county in which the bridge is situated, and Mr. W. H. Field.

In view of the large interest attaching to the new route to Plimmerton, a number of people.in the district have combined in'an advertising display, which appears on page 7.