NEW RIVER BRIDGE

Grey River Argus, 27 May 1935, Page 7

NEW RIVER BRIDGE

Opening Ceremony

GATHERING AT MOONLIGHT. There was an assemblage of about one hundred and fifty settlers of the Moonlight and adjacent districts, along with visitors, on Saturday afternoon at Moonlight, when the recent-ly-constructed and much-needed traffic bridge over Big River was officially opened. Mr Jas. O’Brien, M.P., in addressing the gathering, in the absence of the Member for the Distric , Mr I’. C. Webb, who was held up on the journey from Westport with ear trouble, stated that it gave Km very great pleasure to be presen' and to assist in the opening of sm h a fine bridge, which was giving access to a large area of excellent farming land. Turbulent streams such as the one now bridged, had prevented settlement in the past, or at leas/ had made matters extremely difficult for settlers. This should not be when it rould be avoided by a progressive pub ;: c works policy. He was pleased to se? such a largo gathering and heartily congratulat'd the settlers on having the bridge opened.

Mr O’Brien then called on Mrs L. R. ShuttJeworth to cut the ribbon, after which Mr Alf Marshall (’hair man of the 'Committee, formally declared the bridge open. An inspection was then made of the structure by members of ’he Grey County Council, comprising ?Jessrs J. W. Hannan (Chairman), J. b’yall, J. Mulcare, A. Robinson and 11. G. Carter. Mr J. Higgins (County Hngineer) and Mr M. J. Keating (County Clerk'). After the inspection, an adjournment was made io the recentlv-ereeted pavilion of the Moonlight Tenuis Chib, where the Committee had provided a sumptuous repast, the tables being lub.m with all sorts of delectable refreshments, ami the catering being on an elaborate scale. Mr Webb then arrived and apologised for his late coming.

Mr Alf Marshall presided over the gathering. Apologies were received from Councillors G l . Blair. W. T. Ogilvie, and A. McDonnell, Messrs Cagney (Commissioner of Crown Lands), C. Rogers (contractor), T. A. Johnston (Bublic Works Engineer. Nelson). R. Trevor Smith (Public Works Engineer, Greymouth). R. Simmonds and MacDonald.

Mr J. Mulcare, in proposing the toast of “The Parliament of New Zealand”, paid a tribute to the work of the late Member for tho District. Mr IF. E. Holland, lie said that, as far as Air Webb was concerned. Hie district was to be envied in having him as it s representative. His ability to overcome obstacles in his dealings wi'h tho various Departmentjil heads was well known, and the district was irideed fortunate in being represented by him. He coupled with (hi* toast, the names of Messrs P. C. Webb and James O’Brien. M. ’<P. Mr Webb, in an interesting reply, said that Parliament could be likened ‘p a mirror which reflected the opinion of the people through 'lioir representatives. It was really *]>«' nerve centre of the country. The Grev County Council, in conjunction with the Member for the Dis'rict, were responsible for the erection of tho \ erv fine bridge which had been pfiiciallv opened for traffic that day. Al! Par>u mentnry institutions were on their iriul at the moment. Either thev must make good or they must go out. l{ e . g.irding the system of reading on tho West Coast. Air Webb said it was more or less antiquaten. The time was not far diskant when the roads must be widened and tar-sealed to provide for modern transport conditions. Referring to the present economic condition of the country. Air Webb stated that the responsibility

of the Government was greater now than ever before. There was, indeed, very lit th' of hope in (he on’look for th<* rising generation. Wilh so much unemployment existing, the prospects of the youth of this country were far from bright. Their youth must, however, have an outlet for their ambition and genius and must be given a chance of doing some useful work.

Mr J. O'Brien, ALP., said that it was a real pleasure to be present on sii' h an auspicious occasion. Referring to the toast, he remarked that Parliament did not always do its job, and in some instances was not doing it 'o day. We had the problem of the unemployed, as well as that of the boys and girls leaving school with no outlook in life. Mr .O’Brien dealt with the necessity for a readjustment ■u the economic condition of the Dominion to meet the changed social situation. He eong’ratuialed fflie settlers on having tins inueh-needed bridge constructed over Big River, which w.ould give them much imnrov ed access. Tie also congratulated the designers of t.he bridge the County and Public Works Engineers, and the contractors for the excellent job that had been made. Other toasts honoured were: “The Commissioner of Crown Lands’’, proposed by Mr J. O’Brien, M.p/ and ’■esnon'ded tn bv Mr W. C’avton (on behalf of Mr Cagncyl; “The Chairman and Members of the Grey Countv Council ”, proposed by Mr A. Aynsle.y and responded tn bv the 'Coun'y Chairman, Cr. J. W. Hannan: “The County ’Engineer”, proposed by Mr .1. Ryall, and responded to bv Mr ,T Higgins; “The Public Works' Department”, proposed by Cr. J. W. Hannan and responded to liy Mr Dawber. as-sistant-Public Works Engineer; “The Contractor”, proposed by Mr Jas. Turner, and responded to by Mr W. Arnott; “Tho Ladies”, proposed l>v Mr Carter, and responded to by Mrs J. O’Brien, and Mr 1.. A Shii'l].'.worth (on behalf of his mother);

“I sers of the Bridge”, proposed by Mr F. L. Turley, and responded to by Messrs L. R. Shultleworth. T. Wil son and ,T. Whitehead; “Tho Chairman and Committee”, proposed bv Mr P. C. Webb. MP. and responded to by Mr L. R. .Shuttleworth.