The Bridge is Open ...

Guy Fawkes Day, November 5, 1959, saw the Gisborne skies lit up by a flood of bombs and rockets. It also saw the spirits of a large section of its residents brightened by an event of more lasting benefit—the long-awaited opening of the new Roebuck Road bridge.

The sun shone for the official opening at 3 p.m. last Thursday, and a large crowd assembled. Above, the Mayor, Mr H. H. Barker, speaking. Other speakers beside him are Mr R. A. Keeling, M. P., Deputy-Mayor, Mr E. R. Thomas, general manager of Waikato Engineers & Traders Ltd., who built the bridge, and Mr F. R. Ball, retiring chairman of the P. B. Power Board, who spoke for associated local bodies.

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The great moment: Mr Barker and Mr Keeling drive their cars over the new bridge

The pictures above and below were taken only 30 hours before the opening ceremony, when a great deal of work still remained to be done, especially to the southern approach.

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Mrs Barker cuts the ribbon, watched by the Mayor and the Town Clerk, Mr W. Hudson.

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As soon as the bridge was open, a long procession of cars began to move over.