Greymouth Evening Star AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1936. WAIMAK BRIDGE.

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 September 1936, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1936. WAIMAK BRIDGE.

link with the early pioneering days of Westland and. Canterbury, is being snapped to-day, but, in this instance, namely, the opening of the bridge over the Waimakariri at Bcaley, there will be little regret aroused. Those who have encountered transport difficulties in that region will smile at those who sigh for the romance of the good old days, when a journey between West and East was often an adventure, and always prolonged, in comparison with to-day’s road, rail and aerial trips. Unbridged rivers

and ereeks abounded in coaching days, and although some of the travellers’ experiences made good reading or narrative in afteryears, at the time they were frequently unpleasant. Foolish are those who yearn for old-fashioned methods as against to-day’s comfortable, speedy and cheap facilities.

Most of the West Coast’s recent prosperity is clue to the improved transport. The Otira tunnel which some predicted would ruin business in Greymouth and other Coastal towns, has proved them to be bad prophets, and it is now accepted that the better the means of transit, between any two centres, the more beneficial are the results to each, in all directions. The Waimakariri bridge has long been needed, and should have been erected years ago. Continuous agitation had to be maintained to move the authorities, and the Automobile Association, in particular, is to be commended for its perseverance. This endeavour was primarily on behalf of motorists, but the general community will benefit. It is to be - hoped that Bruce Creek will now receive early attention, and that district road improvements will be continued. Nature and climate add to the difficulties, but these are gradually being minimised, and the Public Works Department’s efforts are appreciated. M estland will join with Canterbury, to-day, in mutual congratulations, and thanks to those who have made the new bridge possible. A day will come when unbridged waters on main routes will be unknown. Westland, after a long period of neglect, is receiving a fail’ share of the “loaves and fishes” available where roads and bridges are concerned, and it is opportune, today, to express public gratitude for the improved state of affairs.