THE Thames Star. THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 1928. HAURAKI BRIDGE.

Thames Star, Volume LXII, Issue 17389, 29 March 1928, Page 4

THE Thames Star.

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 1928. HAURAKI BRIDGE.

"With malice towards none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right."—Lincoln.

It would be a great pity and disappointment if there should not be /unanimity concerning the celebrations that are mooted, to take place •at the opening of the Hauraki Bridge next month. It is recognised that 'the three chairmen of .the local bodies concerned will have their hands full at the-time, and it was to augment the rejoicings that are rightly considered necessary on the auspicious occasion, that the meetings reported recently in the "STAR" were held. There was no ambition to tread on anyone's corns, there being only a feeling that something more than an official dinner should mark the event. We hope that the Mayor will facilitate the desires of the committee set uj>, so that a successful carnival may be beld that will be the means of strengthening the bonds of friendship between the peoples on both sides of the river. We do not want to see any parochialism displayed, and it is trusted by those who are organising the functions that they will be attended by our worthy neighbours in the spirit of comradeship and goodwill with which they have been organised. Many townsfolk feel that Thames, although noted for its cordiality, has not of late years entered into the joys and sorrows of our near neighbours. The delay in the running of an efficient ferry service had a lot to do with this, and, when started, the fares have been a deterrent in the ease of many settlers, and also townspeople. With the opening of the highway Thames' people will become frequent visitors across the Waihou, and there. will creep in a true feeling of friendship that 'has been lacking in the past. ' In the meantime, we are sure that the official heads will give every opportunity to the business people to arrange fitting social functions- to mark the completion of a work to which all have contributed large sums of money.