CAMBRIDGE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 1, 4 January 1908, Page 54

CAMBRIDGE.

Dear Bee, December 28. Last Saturday was quite a gala day for Cambridge, when the high level steel bridge over the Waikato River was opened by his Excellency the Governor, Lord Plunket, who arrived by special train from Auckland at 1 p.m. He was escorted from the station to Cambridge West by a number of the Cambridge Mounted Rifles. In the carriage with the Governor were the Hon. J. McGowan, his Worship the Mayor (Mr. W. F. Buckland), and the Governor’s aide-de-camp; in the next carriage was the mayoress (Mrs. W. F. Buckland) and Mrs. M. Fisher, wife of the chairman of the Pukekura Road Board. These ladies held the ribbon across the bridge, which the Governor cut with a very handsome pair of silver scissors, presented to him by the Mayor, when he declared the bridge open for traffic. Mrs. Buckland was wearing a dark blue gown with handsome scarf of creme silk Maltese lace, and brown and pink toque; and Mrs. Fisher a bronze brown silk gown with toque to match. The Governor complimented the inhabitants upon the magnificent structure they had erected, far superior to what he had been led to believe it would be. The Governor’s carriage then drove over the bridge into the town, preceded by the Mounted Rifles and the Cambridge Town Band, w'ho played “One More River to Cross.” His Excellency was driven up to the new Cambridge Club, where he was received by the president, Mr. Lundon, He was shown over the club, which he greatly admired, after which his health was drunk; then an adjournment was made to the luncheon, which was held in the Alexandra Hall, and was catered for by Mr. Boyce, at which the usual toasts were drunk, and by the time it was over it was time for the Governor to be off on his return journey to Auckland. A great crowd was at the station to see him off, and some lusty cheers were given as the train left. I think I may safely say I have never seen so many people congregated together in Cambridge as on that day; they seem to, have come from far and near to do honour to the occasion. Xmas day was a very disappointing one as far as the weather was concerned, as it rained steadily from early morning until about 7 p.m. We have not had a wet Xmas Day for years, so l suppose must not complain.

ELSIE.