NEW BRIDGE

Southland Times, Issue 25342, 22 July 1935, Page 6

NEW BRIDGE

MANAWATU RIVER. OFFICIAL OPENING BY GOVERNOR. (Per United Press Association.) Palmerston North, July 20. After having served as an important highway link for nearly 60 years the wooden bridge spanning the Manawatu 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 It has been replaced by a ferro-concrete bridge embracing the latest features of design and construction. The official opening ceremony was performed to-day by the Gover-nor-General, Lord Galway. Pressing an electric button, Lord Galway broke the ribbon stretched across the bridge. His Excellency congratulated the designers on the structure, which would be a monument to the pursuance of a progressive policy. Such an imposing entrance to the city, he said, 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, and he signed two parchment scrolls, one each for the City Council and the Kairanga County Council, the joint authorities. Addresses of welcome were given to the Governor-General by Mr Mansford, the Mayor, Mr Collis, chairman of the Kairanga Council, Mr J. A. Nash and Mr J. Linklater, M.’s.P. Tire bridge has four bowstrung arches and is of pleasing design. Later Lord Galway was entertained at lunch and left in the afternoon for Wellington.