MANGAHOE BRIDGE.

Waipa Post, Volume II, Issue 59, 7 November 1911, Page 3

MANGAHOE BRIDGE.

PILE-DRIVING CEREMONY,

The driving of the first pile in connection with the erection of the new ferro-concrete bridge over the Mangahoe Stream at Te Awamutu was the occasion of a c a remony on Friday last. Mr wßowden (chairman of the Town'Board) apologised tor the short notice given to the public of the intention to hQld any function. The chairman of the County Council (Mr J. Fisher) was unfortunately not present, but Mr J. B. Teasdale, the member for the Rangiaohia Riding, was in attendance on behalf of the County Council, and would strike the pile for the first time. Mr Teasdale said Te Awamutu was to have the first ferro-con-crete bridge in the district, and was to be congratulated on this progressive step. The speaker recalled the incidents relative to the building of the first bridge at that spot in 1876. That bridge, erected after considerable trouble was smaller than the temporary bridge erected while the new structure was in course of erection. The very evident progress of Te Awamutu and the immediate district had impressed upon the members of the County Council the need of a permanent structure, and he was pleased to see that at that important spot, the junction of 5 roads, a bridge which would stand and meet the requirements for very many years was being erected. It was pleasing to see the great influx of people to this district, and it was the duty of every resident to cooperate in any movement for the advancement of the district The speaker referred to the recent visit of Sir John Gorst, who, after an absence of many yoars, was so agreeably sur- ; prised at the very evident pro- ' gress made. The first printing ; press in the Dominion had been < erected bui a few yards from the 1 site of the bridge. That further ( progress must follow was certain, 1 Te Awamutu is situated at the ( junction of so many main arterial 1 roads, and this fact alone must prove beneficial to any town. £ The new Reformatory at Tokanui i which is being erected by the ' Government was also quoted as s being of great commercial value * to the town and district. In con-

clusion he hoped that the work

would be completed at an early ■■ date, and that the chairman of the Council would then be present to formally open the bridge. The striking of the first blow of the pile-driver by Mr Teasdale was followed by cheers for the Council and contractors.