OPENING OF BRIDGES

Otago Witness, Issue 3877, 3 July 1928, Page 33

OPENING OF BRIDGES

MINISTERS ATTEND CEREMONY, ENTHUSIASM AT PAHIATUA. -' PAHITUA, June 30. The Prime Minister (Mr J.- G, Coates)' arid the' Minister 'of Public Works (Mr K. S. Williams) visited Pahiatua to-day, and Mr Coates opened the ferro-concrete bridge at Ngaturi. The Ministers were welcomed; by Mr S. Bblton (county chairman) in the presence of a large gathering. At the opening of the bridge Mrs Bolton cut the ribbon, and Mr Coates broke a bottle' of cjiariipagne on. the" new/struck; tiire. Addresses were also given by Mr Williams and Mr E. A. Ransom (member for the district). Subsequently a luncheon was held in the Commercial Hotel. Replying to the toast of “ The Government,” Mr Coates dealt with the very difficult period through which the country had passed. That the future outlook was .brighter was evidenced, he said, by the increasing exports arid the prices realised for oiir primary products. He outlined what the Government was doing to relieve unemployment and the . istance it had given to the primary producers in the • rural credit schemes. He warned the people against the fancywords and pallatives that were being offered by- the parties opposed, to the Government, and referred to the great, success, of the recent loan on . the London market. He pointed out; that in the past certain liabilities had been incurred by local bodies which made it difficult for the farmers, and urged that every care should he taken against thia in the future. ■ His speech, which was oh the lines of his recent addresses, was frequently applauded. Mr Williams touched upon the efforts of the Government to assist the settlers by giving better access to backblock farmers and by improving the conditions of life. He paid a tribute to Mr Bolton for his very lengthy service to the community. Mr Bolton presented Mr Coates with framed enlargements of the two bridges that had been opened that day, and rousing cheers were given for Mr Bolton, who was described as “ Pahiatua’s grand old man.” Mr Coates, on leaving, addressed a large crowd in front of the hotel. Tho party then proceeded to Mangatainoka for the opening of the bridge there, the ceremony being performed by Mr Coates.

Time did not permit of the hearing of deputation, but the Ministers noted the requests made at the luncheon.