Proposed Railway Opening Festivities.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 440, 1 September 1904, Page 5

Proposed Railway Opening Festivities.

A meeting of the committee appointed to take steps to fittingly celebrate the opening of the railway to Central Otago was held at Ophir on Thursday evening last, Mr B Flannery presiding. The secretary (Mr J J Ramsay), intimated that while in Dunedin he had interviewed Mr Grant, and got considerable information regarding the nature of such gatherings as was proposed. He had also f eeu -Mr Horn, the Chairman of the County, who informed him that he had interviewed tne Hon. HalUJones, while in Wellington, and that the Minister preferred the official opening to be delayed until after Parliament rose. As this exactly suited the wishes of the committee, he (Mr Bamsay) had wired the Minister to that efiect and received a confirmatory i.-ej)iy, in which the Minister promised x<- attend in the function was delayed u r ii the session was over. This information was received with pleasure by the committee, because it enables them to make more elaborete arrange'* raents, and it is felt that the occasion warrants a display that will do credit to Central Qtago. Mr Wilson apologised for the absence of Messrs Butherford and Weir, both of whom bad expressed their willingness to do all in their power to further the object of th« organisation. It was decided that arrangements ehou'd be entered into for a function worthy of the occasion, to take place at the Bail way Station at the opening. It was also decided that a social or banquet be held in the old township in the evening, where old identities might gather and meet the Ministers and others who might be present,

It was further decided to ask the foil >wing gentlemen to act as com-tnit-te s in their various districts, giving them power to add to their numbers : —Ltnnockburn : Mr Jas Horn, County Chairman; Cromwell : His Worship the Mayor (Mr E Muriell), Messrs Jolly, Donnelly, M'Loughlin, Holden, and Warburtou; Clyde: Messrs B Naylor (sen), Dickie, Pitches, Smart, J E Stevers, S Stevens, Dr Hyde, J M'Arthur (jun), Fache, Jeffery, and Hutton ; Alexandra : His Worship the Mayor (Mr Geo Spencer), Messrs Iversen, Laidlaw, Grimstone, Buchanan, Gunion, Theyers, T Beck, Rivera, Byan, Bartholomew, Young, and Dr Gregg; Matakanui: Messrs Laidlaw, Duggan, T Donnelly, Jas Truesdale (sen), M'Lennan; St Bathans : Messrs Pyle, M'Oonnochie, Ewing N Nicholson, and Brown; Cambrians: Mr J Beattie; Ida Valley: Messrs Spain, P M'Donald, P Flannery, G M'lntosh, J Reilly, W Dundas; B.ackstone Hill: Messrs R Johnstone and W Armour; Chatto Creek, Messrs Gunu and Kinney; LatHer: Messrs W M'Donald, E Gerkens, R Wilson, T Mee, John Shepherd, ahd F Donnelly; Bald Hill Flat; Mr J Butler. Tho secretary was instructed to write to each of the above-named gentlemen, asking them to act; also to prepare subscription lists; ascertain probable date of opening; ask for special railway rates for the occasion ; and collect all available information.

A strong desire was expressed that Mr Seddon and Sir Joseph Ward should be present, several speakers stating that on such an occasion as that Mr Seddon would no doubt gladly pay this district a visit. The secretary undertook to write and endeavour to induce both gentlemen to come.