Inscription on reverse reads: “Donated by Mrs E Thomas 5/77 Suspension Bridge over Otaki River Otaki Gorge Sat. 6 Mar 1926

The suspension bridge over the Otaki River in the Otaki Gorge. Taken Saturday 6 March 1926.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Inscription on reverse reads: “Donated by Mrs E Thomas 5/77 Swing Bridge Otaki Gorge 1931

Swing bridge over the Otaki Gorge, with five people standing on the bridge.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Black and white photograph.

Written on back – Ad feature Shannon Bridge Old & New Shannon bridge.

Written on 2 green papers attached to back – C M/H

Old and new Shannon bridges over the Manawatu River at Moutoa, looking west.

Black and white photograph.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

A small truck crossing the Whirokino Bridge with flood waters on either side, looking north, August 1939

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Opening of Whirokino Trestle bridge April 1939. Cars are parked on the old Main Highway and below the new bridge. Taken looking south, this photograph shows the old Manawatu River bridge in distance.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Afternoon sightseers at the new Whirokino Bridge, Sunday 27 August 1939. The first flood to cover the old roadway is visable on the left. The new bridge was opened in April 1939. This photograph is taken looking north with motor vehicles and people in foreground.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Bridge over the Manawatu River at Whirokinoin 1944. The former bridge had collapsed and a swing bridge was temporarily erected in the gap. In the background piles for the new bridge are being constructed up-river from the site of the collapsed bridge.

Laminated copy.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Written on back with blue ballpoint pen: “Opening Akers Toll Bridge 1918. Refer book – From Fibre to Food, Opiki.”

Penciled on back: “PNPL FX123 On the newly completed Opiki toll-bridge, Jan. 1918. 2nd from left, Joseph Dawson, bridge-builder holding Mavis Henderson (3 1/2 yrs). 4th man from left is A.W. Hogg, Masterton. Woman with baby, centre, is Mrs Elsie Henderson with son Lewis (4 months). Her husband, Ernest, is at far right, he was blacksmith at Tane Mill & there fashioned all steel rods for the bridge. Next Elsie is Mrs Whitewick, then her husband – cooks at Tane Mill cookhouse. Note tramlines for horse-drawn flax wagons.”

Book (From Fibre to Food, Opiki) gives caption for photo - A group of local residents and visitors on the newly completed swing bridge, January 1918. The book also identifies the people mention above, and the 3rd woman (at right) as Miss Taylor.

Cost between $4,600 – $5,200 – mentioned page 26, in book ‘From Fibre to Food, Opiki’.

The opening of Rangitane Suspension Bridge, at Opiki inJanuary 1918. The man second from the left is Joseph Dawson and the small girl he is holding is Mavis Henderson (aged 3 1/2 years). The man 4th from the left is A W Hogg from Masterton. The woman holding a baby is Mrs Elsie Henderson and the baby is her son Lewis. Her husband Ernest is at the far right of the photograph. He was a blcksmith at Tane flaxmill and fashioned all the steel rods for the bridge. The woman next to Elsie Henderson is Mrs Whitewick whose husband also worked at the Tane Mill.

The bridge was purhased in 1919 by Mr Hugh Akers and made a Toll Bridge in 1925. This bridge closed in November 1969 when new Opiki bridge opened.

1 B & W print

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Newspaper clipping glued to reverse: “Last week’s item seeking information on the collapse of a span of the old wooden bridge spanning the Manawatu River at Wirokino in war-time days has brought response from three readers. Mrs E. Carle, Winchester Street, recalled that her son-in-law, Mr Ernest Sloan, whose parents had a farm near the bridge, heard cries for help when returning from milking. He helped in the rescue.”

Written with blue ballpoint pen on piece of paper glued to reverse: “Obviously this photo was published years after collapse as caption shows. Information received was an American Army jeep hit the side of the bridge collapsing part of the bridge & that the jeep went in the river with another vehicle (American Army followed by a cyclist). Another story was one American vehicle & two cyclists. The incident was hushed up under security regulations & by what people have told me it was some years & until after the war that the bridge was replaced. Date can only be guessed at as between 1942-44. C F Swanwick. No-one injured”

Also written with blue ballpoint pen on piece of paper glued to reverse: “Photo copied from a clipping in Lancaster Album. Courtesy of Mrs Jean Rolston. Copied courtesy Mr Bryce, April 16, 1979.”

Whirokino Bridge viewed from the south, after a central span had collapsed, due to being hit by an American vehicle during World War II. In this photograph a boat is crossing the Manawatu River. There are a number of people on both sides of the bridge. Comprehensive notes on reverse of photograph relate the incident with the American vehicle.

See also 2000.063.0001

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Typed on piece of paper glued to back: “Opening of the first traffic bridge over the Hokio Stream at Hokio Beach by Mayor Charles Blenkhorn c.1931. This was built with volunteer labour assisted by the County Council who supplied old bridge timber & some labour. Finance was raised by contributions. (photo donated by Mrs Harvey)”

Opening of the first traffic bridge across the Hokio Stream at Hokio Beach, 1931. The bridge was opened by the Mayor of Levin, Mr Charles Blenkhorn. At the time this photograph was taken, the bridge had not been declared “open”, as a ribbon runs across the bridge on the township side. A number of people are pictured using the footbridge north of the road bridge.

1 B&W photo print copy, mounted (with #.0050a)

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Typed on piece of paper glued to back: “(2) The new and magnificent footbridge, built to replace the planks. Do not know the date but the new motor bridge was ready for opening in 1931. (Donated by Tom Kerslake)”

Opening of the first traffic bridge, Hokio Beach, c.1931. A large number of members of the public gather on the footbridge and on the banks of the stream as the time to official open the bridge draws near.

1 B&W photo print copy, mounted (with 2000.018.0051b)

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Penciled on back: “PNPL / OPK4 Construction of new Opiki bridge 1969 (Opiki in foreground)

Typed on piece of paper - Progress on the construction of the new Opiki bridge, which replaced the Opiki toll bridge. Photo 1969. Costs were shared between Horowhenua and Kairanga Counties. Palmerton North print, OPK4 Public lib.

Cost $165,000 ($200,000 including the approach roads) – mentioned page 26, in book ‘From Fibre to Food, Opiki’.”

The new bridge at Opiki under construction in 1969. This photograph is taken from the southern side of the Manawatu River.

1 B&W photo print copy

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Written on back with blue ballpoint pen: “Chronicle L.P. date unknown.”

Newspaper clipping glued to back: “Last week’s item seeking information on the collapse of a span of the old wooden bridge spanning the Manawatu River at Wirokino in war-time days has brought response from three readers. Mrs E. Carle, Winchester Street, recalled that her son-in-law, Mr Ernest Sloan, whose parents had a farm near the bridge, heard cries for help when returning from milking. He helped in the rescue.”

Written with blue ballpoint pen on piece of paper glued to back: “Obviously this photo was published years after collapse as caption shows. Information received was an American Army jeep hit the side of the bridge collapsing part of the bridge & that the jeep went in the river with another vehicle (American Army followed by a cyclist). Another story was one American vehicle & two cyclists. The incident was hushed up under security regulations & by what people have told me it was some years & until after the war that the bridge was replaced. I was overseas at the time so have no recollection of the incident. F.C. Swanwick. Date can only be guessed at as between 1942-45. Later information – Footbridge was put across missing span. Passengers from buses walked across to a bus on the other side. It was some years before new bridge was built.”

Also written with blue ballpoint pen on piece of paper glued to back: “Photo copied from a clipping in Lancaster Album. Courtesy of Mrs Jean Rolston. Copied courtesy Mr Bryce, April 16, 1979.”

Span collapse on the old wooden bridge at Wirokino, 1940s.

1 B&W photo print, copy

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Typed on piece of paper glued to back: “(4) H.G. Kerslake, W.H. Gimblett (County Council member) & Mrs Blenkhorn. (Donated by Tom Kerslake)”

Opening of the first traffic bridge, Hokio Beach, c.1931. The people in the photograph are from left to right – Mr H.G. Kerslake (speaking), Mr W.H. Gimblett (County Council member) and Mrs Blenkhorn.

1 B&W photo print copy, mounted (with 2000.018.0052b)

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Typed on piece of paper glued to back: “(3) 1931 – H.G. Kerslake (Chairman Hokio Progressive Association), J.T.M. Brewster (County Engineer), C.H. Blenkhorn (Mayor of Levin) & Mrs Blenkhorn. (Donated by Tom Kerslake)”

Opening of the first traffic bridge, Hokio Beach, c.1931. The official party is assembled on the bridge prior to ther cutting of the ribbon. The party is from left to right – Mr H.G. Kerslake (Chairman Hokio Progressive Association), Mr J.T.M. Brewster (County Engineer), Mr Charles H. Blenkhorn (Mayor of Levin) giving speech and Mrs Blenkhorn.

1 B&W photo print copy, mounted (with2000.018.0051a)

Left to right - Mr H.G. Kerslake (Chairman Hokio Progressive Association). Mr J.T.M. Brewster (County Engineer). Mr Charles H. Blenkhorn (Mayor of Levin) giving speech. Mrs Blenkhorn.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Penciled on back: “Moutoa Bridge over Manawatu River 1924.”

See book – ‘From Bush & Swamp’, pages 74-76. First Shannon bridge over Manawatu River. Built 1908 at the former ferry crossing. Badly damaged by flooding 1924. Replacement built further north 1928.

An oval photograph showing three women crossing the Manawatu River via the Shannon Motoa Bridge in 1919. The three women have been identified as Mary and Jessie Cameron and Margaret Law.

1 B&W photo print copy, mounted

See also 1977.031.0006

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Typed on piece of paper glued to back: “(5) Mrs Blenkhorn cutting the ribbon. From left, H.G. Kerslake, Mr Blenkhorn & Mrs Blenkhorn. (Donated by Tom Kerslake)”

Opening of the first traffic bridge, Hokio Beach, c.1931. Mrs Blenkhorn cuts the ribbon across the bridge. Those in the photograph are from left to right – Mr H.G. Kerslake (Chairman Hokio Progressive Association), Mr Charles H. Blenkhorn (Mayor of Levin) and Mrs Blenkhorn.

1 B&W photo print copy, mounted (with 2000.018.0052a)

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Typed on piece of paper glued to back: “(6) First ever car over bridge. Cannot recall whose, but looks like an Essex. (Donated by Tom Kerslake)”

A crowd stands on each side of the road as the first car to officially cross the newly opened Hokio Beach traffic bridge with a young woman standing on the running-board.

1 B&W photo print copy, mounted

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Inscription on reverse reads: “Flood water under trestle bridge”

Flood waters beneath the Whirokino trestle bridge.A lone man stands on the bridge watching the flood waters below

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Typed on piece of paper glued to back: “Wellington to Manawatu railway line 1890 railway bridge at Otaki.”

Stamped on back with black ink – Horowhenua Historical Society. Acc. No. 148 Date 11.1.80

Used in book – ‘Horowhenua County and its People’, page 121, with caption - Otaki railway bridge, c.1886. Foot-travellers usually picked their way across it; wheeled traffic used fords marked by poles. NZR.

An unknown man sits on a log and looks at the railway bridge over Otaki River, c.1886. Foot travellers usually picked their way across this bridge while wheeled traffic used fords in the river which were marked by poles.

1 B&W photo print copy, mounted

Used in book – ‘Horowhenua County and its People’, page 121

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Inscription on reverse reads: “Shannon – Moutoa Bridge. Mary – Jessie Cameron, Margaret Law. 1919”

An oval photograph showing three women in a horse drawn gig crossing the Shannon-Moutoa bridge in 1919. The three women have been identified as Mary and Jessie Cameron and Margaret Law.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Black and white photograph.

Written on back with blue ballpoint pen – Whirokino

Whirokino Bridge over Manawatu River, c. 1950 This small photograph is taken looking southeast from the north bank.

Black and white photograph.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Inscription on reverse reads: “15-5-63”

The shingle road, northern approach to the Opiki toll bridge. Twin brick towers support steel cables which support the bridge. In the left background is the chimney of the then demolished flour mill. The twin towers have inscribed panels on them each telling of the history of the bridge.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Inscription on reverse reads: “Whirokino Brideg after 1 span collapsed during early period of World War II (2)”.

Whirokino Bridge over the Manawatu River just after the collapse of a span in ?1942. Photograph taken from the northern bank.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Penciled on back: “F Tremewan Rail bridge over Pahatu Stream just north of Shannon. Wrongly called Otauru or Mangaore Stream May 1894 (1980’s)”

Reconstruction of rail bridge over Pahatu Stream, Shannon, May 1984. Situated just north of Shannon, the Pahatu Stream is often wrongly called Otauru Stream or Mangaore Stream. In this photograph two cranes lift precast concrete bridge spans into place on the new piers.

1 B&W photo print

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”