BRIDGES OPENED.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 2 July 1928, Page 5

BRIDGES OPENED.

IN FORTY MILE BUSH. MINISTERIAL TOUR. (By Telegraph —Press Association.) PAIIIATUA, Saturday. The Prime Minister (the Right lion. J. G. Coates) and the Minister of Public Works) the lion. K. S. Williams) visited I’ahiatua to-day. At noon Mr Coates opened a ferro-eon-ereto bridge at Ngaturi. He was welcomed by Mr S. Bolton, county chairman and a large gathering. Mrs Bolton, wife of the county chairman, cut the ribbon and Mr Coates broke a bottle of champagne on the new structure. Addresses were delivered also by the Hon. K. S. Williams and Mr E. A. Ransom, member for the district. Subsequently at a luncheon there was a large and representative gathering of members of local bodies. Mr S. Bolton presided. Replying to the toast of “The Government,” Mr Coates dealt with the very difficult period through which the country had passed. That the future outlook was brighter, he said, was evidenced by increasing exports and the prices realised for primary products. He touched on what the Government was doing to relieve unemployment, and on the assistance given to primary producers through the rural credit schemes. He warned the people that fancy words and paliativcs were being offered by those parties opposed to the Government.

The Minister of Public Works spoke of the efforts made by the Government to assist settlers by giving better access to the baekblocks. Mr Williams paid a glowing tribute to Mr S. Bolton, chairman of the County Council for his very lengthy services to the community. Mr Bolton presented Mr Coates with framed photographs of the two bridges opened that day. Rousing cheers were given for Mr Bolton, who was described as Pahiatua’s “Grand Old Man.” Mr Coates addressed an open-air gathering before leaving. The party then proceeded to Mangatainoka, where another bridge was opened.