Rotokautuku Bridge Opened

The new Rotokautuku road bridge, spanning the Waiapu River on the East Coast highway near Ruatoria, was officially opened by the Minister of Works, Mr P. B. Allen, late last month.

A crowd of over 1500 people gathered at the scene to witness the ceremony.

An outstanding feat of construction, the bridge was built in 40 days, using the existing concrete piers of the original bridge. The total cost of the job, including the approaches, was £140,000. (Pictures by Frank Wynne-Jones)

Mrs P. B. Allen, with her husband, cuts the tape to officially open the new bridge. At left is Mrs Esme Tombleson M.P., who cut the second ribbon, a green one for St. Patrick's Day.

A view of the bridge shortly before the opening ceremony

School children and spectators line the bridge for the ceremony

Girls' High School Athletes

The official party seated on the dais. Addressing the gathering at right is Mr A. W. Dever, chairman of the Waiapu County Council.

The Gisborne Girls' High School athletics team which competed in the annual H.B.-P.B. inter-secondary school sports, held at Wairoa recently. They won both the senior and intermediate relays, and a member of the team, Brenda Walker, broke two records, the senior discus and javelin throws. Members of the team are, from left, back row: Joyce Vette, Linda Byrne, Marion Todd, Miss E. L. Dixon (coach), Greta Howchow, Sheryl Fletcher, and Beverley Trotman. Middle row: Shirley Wilson, Trudy Keelan, Brenda Walker, Marion Evans, Alison Elliott, Raewyn Trotman, and Virginia Pinel. Front row: Paki Smith, Karen Howchow, Helen Shanks, Judy Grey, Kessie Moeke, and Raewyn Hale.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 118 : April 23, 1964

Rotokautuku Bridge Opened