OPENING OF A BRIDGE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXII, Issue LXII, 19 January 1912, Page 7

OPENING OF A BRIDGE.

CARTERTON, Jan. 18. The new ferro-concrete bridge, 726 feet- long, across the Ruamahuhga river, between Featherston and Martinborough, which was completed last month at a cost of £8635, was opened for traffic to-day by the Minister of Public Works. There was a large attendance, and "several speeches were made. Mr W. C. Buchanan, M.P., said.the bridge was the first structure of its kind in the Dominion. Mrs A. L. McLeod, wife of the chairman -of the Featherston County Council, cut the ribbon, and Mr Buchanan's motor car crossed. The bridge was then tested, a traction engine and loaded trucks of wool, about 40 tons in weight, standing on the centre. No, apparent movement was detected. The new bridge, by the request of the South Wairarapa natives, will be known as "Kowhatu Katoa," meaning the rock that stands.for ever.