Otago Central Railway.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 450, 1 December 1904, Page 4

Otago Central Railway.

Official Opening of tfo&f Line to Omakau J ■■•. A HUGE ATTENDANCE. The ceremony of officially opening the Otago Central Railway to Omakau took place on Tuesday, and, favoured with beautifully fine weather, the gathering was one that will be remem» bered in Central Otago. The special train from Dunedin, with the Minis- . terial party aboard, comprised 18 large passenger cars, each of which was loaded with passengers, and when the train arrived at Omakau the platform was packed -with people, who had gathered from all parts of the interior. A mighty cheer went iup as the Premier alighted from his carriage, and when the train emptied, there must has been close on 3000 persons at the station. The largo train included three cars carrying school children from various parts of the district, who were sent down on'a free ride in a speciai train to Ida Valley station in the morning; and, as might have been expected, the youngsters gave the Premier a hearty cheet as his train steamed past them into* the station. * After partaking of lunch at Eady's hotel, the party, headed by the Premier and Sir J. G. Ward, returned to tha railway station, where a platform had been erected over the cattle yards, and which was gaily decorated with bunting and evergreens. Mr J„ Pitches, chairman of the Keception Committee, introduced the Right Hon. Mr Seddon; Mr Ramsay, the secretary, supplementing the re* marks made by the chairman. Mr Ramsay also read letters of apology I from the Hon. W. Hall-Jones, and J others. The Minister for Public Works, in his message, said that important business had kept him in Wellington, and he regretted that he was unable to be present. The Right Hon. Mr Seddon, in & lengthy speech, declared the line open to Omakau, and he extended to all present a hearty invitation to be present at the opening of the next section, The Premier was received with marked enthusiasm, and his speech was, from start to finish, punctuated" with applause and cheers. Sir J. G. Ward, on rising, could not speak for a few minutes, owing to the deafening cheers which greeted his appearance at the front of the platform. In the course of a happy speech, Sir Joseph Ward congratulated the people of Central Otago upon the fact thafe the railway had been completed to a point which further tapped the resources of the interior of Central Otago. Mr Herdman, member for the dis« trict, on rising, was received with applause ; but his remarks, which un» fortunately were of a debatable nature were not very well received by the audience, many of whom appeared to strongly resent the references made by the speaker towards the Premier. In the afternoon the Right Hob. tbto Premier proceeded on horseback to Chatto Creak, where, in the course >' an hour and a-half's speech he presented the charter to the local branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation {subsequently, those present were entertained at an excellent luncheon in the schoolhouse; following which came a number of toasts, the Premier tafaW a prominent part in the after-dinner speeches.

About seven o'clock a start was made for Ophir, where a banquet was held in Mrs Donnelly's Hotel. About 79 gentlemen were present, including the Premier and a number of distinguished visitors from Dunedin and all parts of Central Otago; and after a number of toasts had been duly honoured. the< gathering broke up shortly before midnight with the singing of " Auld LaneSyne." •—"**& Owing to pressure of business, Sir Joseph Ward was obliged to return to Dunedin by the afternoon train A largely-attended" social was held in the Omakau hall in the evening, dancing being kept going till about S o clock; next morning to excellent musfe supplied by the Morgan family We are/obliged to hold over a more extensive report until next issue.