GATHERING AT WANGAPEKA.

Colonist, Volume I, Issue 12126, 28 December 1907, Page 2

GATHERING AT WANGAPEKA.

O V-£l\ i -C J OF A BRIDGE. A sm»ill hut pleasant gather ing was held last Saturday in Mr Chandler's paddock, Wangapeka, to celebrato tbe completion of the footbridge, lately erected by the Waimea County Council over tbe Dart river. Tho visitors, who were welcomed by Mr Chandler, senior, partoik of a very nice lunch and tea provided by the residents of the district. During tho afternoon Mr and Mrs Chandler, senior (who were the tirst residents id Waogapeka), performed th© ceremony of opening the bridge. Mr Chandler, in a, few, well chosen words, referred . to the early times and the difficulty they had often had in crossing the Dart river, when in flood. He said, now that he was old and not able to wal»s- across the bridge without help, he had got one, but if it did not benefit him much, it would be a great boon to ttie rising generation. Mrs Chandler then cut the ribbon £ and the bridge was declared open. . ■^'■- : """ : - Cheers were heartily given for Mr and Mrs Chandler ;"algo for Mr Johnson (an. old miner), who is always a great helper at all social gatherings held in the district. After the ceremony, games of all descriptions were played. Mr IJ.1 J . llarford, of tnej Sherry, deserves oratitude:for3"the way in which he exerted himself to amuse the children. Master Wattie, aged twelve years, a son of one of the new settlers, gave an exhibition of step dancing, which was greatly appreciated. ■ ■ ..