THE MANGAWEKA BRIDGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11952, 29 April 1902, Page 6

THE MANGAWEKA BRIDGE.

AN INDIGNATION MEETING

[by tklkcrai'H. —I'RKSS \ssoci *TIOS'.'J Marion. Monday. A laucki.y attended indignation meeting was held at Mangaweka on Saturday, to protest against an alleged breach of faith of the Government in not proceeding with the erection of the Mangaweka bridge in fulfilment of many promises to the settlers for the last 10 years. Messrs. Lethbridge (Rangitikei), Haselden (Patea), Manaon (VVanganui Chamber of Commerce), Beckett (Rangitikei Council), Pemberton (Kiwitea Council), and prominent settlers addressed the meeting. When the settlers purchased the land it was loaded with 5s per acre for roading and bridge to give access to the Mangaweka railway. Later on the Government proceeded with (2ie erection of the bridge, and at the time of the big Easter flood only the piers were finished. The flood proved the inadvisability of building a cylinder bridge, so the engineers recommended a cantilever bridge instead, for which tenders were supposed to have been accepted, but the work has never been started. The settlers have been using the low-level bridge, which is frequently under water, and is unsafe for traffic. They have petitioned and deputationed Ministers, urging a fulfilment of their pledges, and on each occasion met with stout assurances that the work would be put in hand. The want of a bridge means sending produce an additional 30 miles. The settlers are practically isolated during the winter. Resolutions were carried protesting against the action of the Government, and urging, them to proceed , with the work. Petitions are to be circulated, and the support of the Farmers' Union and Chambers of Commerce to be obtained. A good deal of enthusiasm was displayed.