BRIDGE AT TAIERI MOUTH

Otago Witness, Issue 2914, 19 January 1910, Page 57

BRIDGE AT TAIERI MOUTH

A SITE SELECTED. WORE TO PROCEED. l’,y mutual agreement, a party ccnslstfuf of members ci the Taiori County Council and me ui-.uce County, ail of whom. were prteont, except Or Dochcaty, of the Talari Council, tor whom an apology was sent, visited (he sugj.-ostcd 6* to of the new bridge over tire Taiori River, near the mouth, yesterday. Resides the members of the councils mentioned, there were also present the lion. T. Mackenzie, who represents Taiori in Parliament, and Mr James Allen, M.P. for Bruce. The party was conveyed from Henley in a motor launch by Mr Amos MTiegg. The weather was dull, and light rain fell on the way down, but afterwards it cleared up. and was fine. On the arrival of the party at Taieri. Mouth it was met by Messrs James Milne, Jeffries, Meadows, D. Campbell, Green, Fallowiiold, and jther leading residents 'of the district. The site of the proposed bridge was first inspected, and the visitors were then conducted to the. hall, where a splendid- repast, prepared by the ladies of the district, was partaken of. About 100 persons sat down at the two relays. After the requirements of the inner man had been satisfied, a short toast list was gone through. Mr James Milne, acting as chairman, proposed the usual loyal toasts. “ The Parliament of New Zealand ” was ably proposed by Mx Hall, of Milton, and responded to by Mr James Allen, who, inter alia, stated that although there 1 might be, political differences amongst parties members were united to do the best they could for the good of the Dominion and help onward this young countrv.

“ The Ministry ” was proposed by th© Kev. Mr Borne, and responded to by the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie, who began hie remarks by making humorous references to and relating- anecdotes about Parliament and the Ministry. In 'referring to the position of Nenv. Zealand, the Minister" said that, notwithstanding our real or imaginary grievances, he considered thatthere was no country under the sun more blessed than was New Zealand, and none could doubt but that it had a. great future before it. He was satisfied' that wo might look forward to a phriod of renewed prosperity. Our staple articles of produce occupied a firm position, especially wool, and ho regretted that mutton and lamb were not so satisfactory, but the Frozen Meat Conference', to be field in Christchurch on the 27tb and 28th inst., would! no doubt deal in a capable manner with this important article of export. There could, be ,nc question as to the need for some combination among shippers here' to meet the effects that would result from the .great American organisations havingobtained control of the Argentine’s output of mutton and lamb. Those organisations or trusts had at their command the' ablest intellects in the business world of to-day, and added to that was the enormous capital possessed by the trusts. The only way New Zealand would be able to hold her position in th© meat markets cf the Old World would be by combination, and this and other aspects of the trade would no doubt bo carefully considered. With the exception of meats our other products occupied a satisfactory position, and Mr Mackenzie spoke of th© future with groat confidence, declaring that with public and private economy, combined with industry and determination on the part of the people, a hopeful and promising future could b© looked forward to. As Mr Allen had said, Parliament was devoting itsolfi to doing the best possible for the Dominion, and the Ministry .was determined, with all the power it possessed, to do everything that could be done to help along- the country and bring happiness and prosperity to its peoml©. Ho’ was satisfied that the Administration would leave nothing . undone in this direction, and he felt sure their efforts would be appreciated.

“Local Bodies” was the next toast proposed, and it was responded to by Messrs Driver (chairman Bruce County Council)' and Blackie (Taieni County Council). The other toasts were! “The Ladies” and “The Chairman.” Regarding matters in connection with the bridge, the Government has voted£4ooo. and the local bodies interested am providing £SOOO. Following the lunch a conference was held, when it was decided t»> fix the site of the bridge at or near the punt, and that the engineers of the two counties prepare plans for submission to a conference to be held later on. It was also decided to push on the work with cve.vv despatch. Votes of thanks were passed to the Ron. Thomas Mackenzie and Mr James Allen for their attendance that day and for their assistance ; n obtaining- help toward? a in uch -desi red work.