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Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 11 August 1925, Page 5

A new concrete ' arch bridge at Eketahuna was officially opened by the Prime Minister on Saturday (says an Eketahuna message). There was a big assemblage present, and proceedings were enthusiastic. Mr Coates received ■a warm reception. The keynote of his speech was the necessity to develop the country and to encourage population, so that there could l>e a greater distribution of the load at present carried. H o advocated the development of production, with special attention to outlying districts. Many of the back roads were not efficient. If producers could be saved id per lb on their butter-fat transit that sum was added to the wealth and resources of the country. Those who had money must make it work, and those who worked for wages must give a fair return in labour. The Dominion’s part in the Empire was to manage its own affairs well and to mb sorb as many as possible of the kinsfolk overseas. The Government aimed at giving service in all departments, with attention to administrative costs and the elimination of waste. He indicated that the Highways Board would probably l>e able to give greater assistance to small boroughs than it could at present. He hoped that the policy with which his party was going to the elections would be sufficiently broad in vision to secure tbe support of the electors. Mr and Mrs Coates were entertained at a dinner, following which the Prime Minister received several deputations.