PROGRESSIVE POLICY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22629, 22 July 1935, Page 11

PROGRESSIVE POLICY

SPANNING THE MANAWATU NEW BRIDGE OPENED (Per United Press Association) PALMERSTON N, July 20. After having served as an important highway link foi>> nearly 60 years the •wooden bridge spanning the Manawalu River at Fitzherbert avenue, one of the main approaches to the city from the south, is to be closed on Monday and dismantled. It has been replaced by a ferro-concrete bridge embracing the latest features and design in construction. The official opening ceremony was performed to-day by the Governor-General (Viscount Galway). Pressing an electric button, Lord Galway broke the ribbon stretched across the bridge. He congratulated the designers on the structure, which, he said; would be a monument to the pursuance of a progre.ssive policy. Such an imposing entrance to the city reflected the civic pride and determination of Palmerston North.

Lord Galway was presented with a gold fountain pen from the Fletcher Construction Company, the builders of the bridge. He " signed two parchment scrolls, one each for the City Council and the Kairanga County Council, the joint authorities. Addresses of welcome were presented to the Governor-General by Messrs Mansford (Mayor). Collis (chairman of the Kairanga Council), J. A. Nash, M.P. for Palmerston North, and J. Linklater, M.P. for Manawatu. The bridge has four bowstring arches, and is of pleasing design. Later Lord Galway was entertained at luncheon. He left this afternoon for Wellington-