BRIDGES OPENED

Southland Times, Issue 20527, 2 July 1928, Page 8

BRIDGES OPENED

MINISTERS ON TOUR

CEREMONIES AT PAHIATUA MR COATES’ HOPEFUL OUTLOOK (Per United Press Association.) Pahiatua, June 3Q. The Right Hon. J. G. Coates, also the Minister of Public Works, visited Pahiatua to-day. At noon, Mr Coates opened a ferroconcrete bridge at Ngaturi. In the presence of a large gathering Mrs Bolton, wife of the county chairman, cut the ribbon and Mr Coates broke a bottle of champagne on the hew structure. Addresses were given by the Ministers and also Mr E. A. Ransom, M.P. for the district. Subsequently a large representative assembly of members of local bodies attended a luncheon at which Mr S. Bolton presided The toast of the Government was proposed by Mr G. Hargold Smith. Mr Coates in the course of his reply dealt with the very difficult period through which the country had passed and said the future outlook was brighter. This was evidenced by the increasing of exports. The prices realized for primary products instanced what the Government was doing to relieve unemployment. Assistance was given to the primary producers by the rural credit scheme. The Prime Minister warned the people of fancy words and palliatives being offered by those parties opposed to the Government. He referred to the great success of the recent loan floated on the London market and paid tribute to the pioneers. Mr Coates stated that in the past certain liabilities had been incurred by local bodies which made it difficult for farmers and he urged that every care should be taken against this in the future. His speech which was on lines similar to recent addresses was frequently applauded and met with an enthusiastic reception. Mr Williams also addressed the gathering and commented on the efforts made by the Government to assist settlers to give better access to the backblockers and improve their conditions of life. He paid a tribute to Mr S. Bolton, chairman of the County Council, who had given very lengthy service to the community. Mr Bolton presented Mr Coates with a framed enlargement of the two bridges opened that day. Rousing cheers were given for Mr Bolton who was described as “Pahiatua’s grand old man.” / Before leaving Pahiatua Mr Coates addressed a large gathering and the party then proceeded to Magatainoka for the opening of a bridge there which was also performed by Mr Coates, the ceremony being somewhat similar to that at Ngaturi. Time did not permit of the receiving of deputations as had been arranged but the Ministers noted the requests made at the luncheon.

The party later left for Carterton,