An Historic Occasion

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 80, 5 April 1938, Page 5

An Historic Occasion

OPENING OF WHIROKINO BRIDGE In the interest attaching to the adap tation of New Zealand’s highways to meet the modern demands of fast motor transport it is quite possible that little thought is given to what in their day were the counterpart of the latest developments in this field. Over the length and breadth of the Dominion the lace and course of our roadways are being subjected to vast changes, but in the blase attitude “that the best is not half good enough 7 ’ motorists, who comprise the greater portion of road users, in one mood would condemn some of tho constructional work at present in progress as unwarranted expenditure of public moneys and yet again voice the opinion that they are morally entitled to perfect highways because of the various taxes that are levied on motor vehicles. Apart from this passing observation it is interesting to look back to tho opening of the present Whirokino bridge and get a glimpse of that very important occasion. This event took place 38 years ago and the following first hand account is compiled from details supplied by a person who was present. Until the advent of the building of the bridge eventuated, old identities will remember the hardships which attended vehicular traffic along the ironstone and sand roads, etc., and the crossing by ferry-punt bearing horses and coach across the Manawatu river, to the intense nervousness of many of the womenfolk; so it was indeed a veritable booii when the Whirokino bridge was an accomplished fact, and the opening was consequently looked forward to with great eagerness by local residents, etc. The morning selected for the official opening dawned clear, crisp and frosty, and as the train from Wellington which bore the official party, consisting of Lord Ranfurly, then Governor-General of New Zealand, the Right lion. R. J Seddon, Prime Minister, the Hon. J. G. Ward (afterwards “Sir” and Prime Minister), the lion. James Carroll (afterwards “.Sir 77 ), and other well* known members of Parliament, etc., steamed into the Foxton station, there was a scene of pleasurable anticipation, which sent everyone hastening about his or her business in order to get through in time for the ceremony. As the appointed time drew near, crowds of people on foot, and in conveyances of all kinds began to flock towards the spot from all parts of the district. By this time the sun was shining brightly and the day w*as perfect. Six launches, flags gaily flying, steamed up the Manawatu river to tho bridge, whistles ablow, whilst on the shore, the gay shading of the women dresses lent a colourful to the scene. At length tho moment for the big event arrived, and the expectant gathering had the satisfaction and privilege