HUANGARUA BRIDGE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 8945, 20 December 1907, Page 2

HUANGARUA BRIDGE.

OPENED BY THE PREMIER.,

(Special Reporter.) '^fk The bridge recently erected Huangarua river in the Featherston County was officially opened by the Premier on Wednesday. The structure is situated three miles from Martinborough, and measures 260 feet. There are iron bark bracings and steel link girders, and two 20ft, approach spans resting on ironbark piles, and the structure is decked with totara and rata. Each span is capable of 80 tons, and the bridge ; is of a class that will not require much touching for thirty years. The life of such bridges is fifty years, barring accidents, of course. The contractor was Mr A. Sellar, whose price was £1781 9s 2d. Considerable protective works were put in which brought the cost up to £2250. The structure, erected on £ for £ subsidy, was designed by Mr G. T. Stewart, County Engineer, ancl approved by'ffL' Mr G. F. Robinson, District Roads ■ Engineer.

On arrival at Martinborough, ~Mr M. Ross welcomed the Honj|j|ir Joseph Ward at the County Cdfßpil Chambers, and the Town Clerk jMx McAllum), read an address on behalf of the Commissioners aud residents. After Sir Joseph had responded, an adjournment was made to the Town Hall where luncheon was partaken of and several toasts honoured.

The party left then for the bridge, which was christened "Hikawera" by Mrs John Martin, out of respect to the Native tribe, and the ribbou was cut by Miss McLeod, daughter of the ex-Couuty Chairman.

Sir Joseph Ward presented Mrs Martin, on behalf of the County, with a silver bowl, and Miss McLeod with a pair of silver scissors.

In the course of a speech, the Premier announced that he had that day authorised the establishment of a post office iv King Edward the Seventh Laud. It would be a source of gratification for the people of the Domiuon to know that they could post a letter with a New Zealaud stamp in Kiug Edward the Seventh Land. He also announced that the finances of the colony were sound, and the financial value per head of the people of this Dominion was larger any other country. flk Messrs J. T. M. Hornsby. M.P..P. 0. Buchanan, and A. D. McLeod, (ciCounty Chairmau), who presided in the absence of tho chairman, (Cr A. Matthews), also spoke.

Cheers were given for the Premier, the bridge, and the Hikawera tribe. After visiting the Maori carved house, and partaking of afternoon tea, the Premier left for Featherston en route for Wellington,.