SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21133, 16 March 1932, Page 11

SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE.

OPENING ON SATURDAY. STRONG FORCE OF POLICE. PROTECTION FOR LANG. CARNIVAL PREPARATIONS. STRUCTURE ILLUMINATED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received March 15, 11.55 p.m.) SYDNEY, March 15. The Sydney Daily Telegraph says nearly half the numerical strength of the New South Wales police force—about some 1500 men—will be on special duty next Saturday, when the harbour bridge is opened. The authorities will be fully prepared in the event of trouble. Nearly 500 policemen will be on duty on the bridge itself, and the officials will be closely guarded with a largo squad of plain clothes officers watching ovor the Premier, Mr. Lang, and mounted troops will be held in readiness.

Colonel Eric Campbell, leader of the New Guard, announced to-day that if Mr. Lang is not to open the bridge it will be the result of a decision by the council of the New Guard. He said he conld not act without a 75 per cent, vote of the Council of Action.

The bridge was formally handed over to-day by the contractors, Dorman Long and Company Limited, to the New South Wales Government. The structure was illuminated to-night and the warships in port, including the Iliomede, rehearsed a searchlight display, focussing on the bridge, and making a glorious spectacle. Fifty thousand school children are to march in procession across the bridge tomorrow preparatory to Saturday's carnival.

The New Guard is openly opposed to Mr. Lang opening the Sydney harbour bridge and the precautions being taken to protect the Premier probably are the outcome of that organisation's known opposition.