THE TRUNK RAILWAY

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 563, 5 November 1902, Page 3

THE TRUNK RAILWAY

OPENED TO MANGAAVEKA.

SPEECH BY THE PREMIER.

By Telograph—Press Association

Mangaweka, last night. Tho Premier opened the line between Mangaonoho and Mangaweka yesterday. Tho Ministerial party went up in a special train, arriving late in tho afternoon. Replying to an official reception, Mr Seddon said that day had been long looked forward to by him. It had been a great disappointment that tho line had not been opened before. Circumstances over which tho Government had no control had, however, caused delay, but when he was-leaving tho colony six months ago the Opposition said tho Makobino Viaduct could not bo completed within two years. To-day showed the error oi their prophecy. This work put settlers in closer touch with tho centres, which meant prosperity to them. Ho was looking forward to the tirno when tho whole North Island line would bo completed. Ho thanked tho people for their reception, and 6aid ho had been well received everywhere since his return. This gave him heart to go on with tho good work of improving and developing the country. Ho had had pleasure in opening tho section to Mangaonoho in 1595, and no stono had been left unturned in doing tho further section, but the Makohino Viaduct interposed. Tho section from Mangaonoho is 9} miles long, and cost £170,000, being £IB,OOO per mile, but the viaduct cost £72,000, and there aro two expensive tunnels. The section was started in July, 1891, but through tho strike in 1896 tho Government could not go on with the viaduct, which practically only occupied two years in construction. The total cost of tho Main Trunk line, said the Premier, was £1,035,000 to date. There wero 66 miles now under construction, and these will cost .£830,000 to complete. The Man"aweka Viaduct would be 944 ft long, and 160 ft high, and would cost £24,000. It was well in hand now, and would bo ready for traffic in July next, and the lino opcu for traffic to Taihapo by Christmas, 1903. ' Tho Premier was frequently cheered. A banquet was afterwards held, and in tho ovening Mr Seddon addressed a public meeting. He said there was not a people of so small a number in any part of the Empire who sent away thirteen millions of exports, but ho wanted to doublo it t and would not rest till he did so. The wealth

of the colony was already 250 millions in excess of the indebtedness. A part of the speech was devoted to comparing 1891 with the present day, and to explaining the efforts of the Government to open fresh markets. He strongly deprecated the waste of timber by burning. It was the most valuable crop some of tho land could grow. There were thousands of acres of that sort in the district. Ho challenged Opposition candidates to point out any Act passed by bis Government that in the best interests of the country ought to bo removed. Tho revenue had increased by .£1,703,000 since 1893, and tho expenditure only by JG1,090,000. He denied there had been any extravagance. Alluding to the fact that no less than four candidates in the district were on the Government side, ho urged that some of them should be patriotic enough retire. -V voto of thanks and confidence was passed.