RED-LETTER DAY

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2161, 29 May 1914, Page 8

RED-LETTER DAY

FIRST ROD OF THE OPUNAKJS RAILWAY TURNED. (By Teiecraph.— Press Association;) Hawera, May 28. To-day was a retl-letter day for Opunake,, when the ceremony of turning the first sod of tho railway, which ie to W>nnect with the main lino at To Roti was performed by the Hon. W. Fraser, in glorious weathej , , and in the presence of a largo attendance of settlers from all parts of the province. ' Tho. Minister, who turned, the sod amidst enthusiasm, apologised for the unavoidable absenco of; the Prime Minister. Ho |aid that the line was one of tbo most -important in the .Dominion, and he recognised that it Was of enormous Importance to settlers 1 of the district. He would dp what he could to have tho line finished within reasonable time, but the progress made.would depend upon the amount voted by Parliament. - The Minister, was presented Tvith: a beautiful silver inkstand in commemoration of tho occasion.

Subsequently, Mr. Fraser was tendered a complimentary luncheon in tho Town. Hall, where thore was a representative gathering. Congratulatory speeches wore mado by Mr. C.- Dudley (chairman of the Opunako Railway League), tho Taranaki members o'f Parliament, many prominent settlers, and representatives of local ; bodies. Tho health of the Minister ivas enthusiastically honoured. Afterwards tho Minister motored to Eltham, where ho is to be the guest of ' citizens there to-, night.' ■■" .