OPENING OF THE WAIMATE RAILWAY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 854, 20 March 1877, Page 3

OPENING OF THE WAIMATE RAILWAY.

[By Telegraph,] Timaru, March 19. The Waimate branch line was opened for traffic to-day, when there was great rejoicing in the township. In the first part of the day a number of residents availed themselves of the opportunity to pay a visit to Oamaru and Timaru, the morning trains to both these places being crowded. A special train left limaru at 10.30 a.m,, conveying the members of the Borough Council, who had been invited to luncheon by the Waimate residents, and a number of visitors, including Mr Lawson, traffic manager, and Mr Warner, the railway engineer. From Waimate two specials were sent, in addition to the four ordinary trains during the day, all of which were well filled. The children of the district, numbering some 400 or 500, were treated to a free ride to the Waimate Junction, which they enjoyed immensely. The distance opened is about five miles from Waimate Junction, and the line strikes off from that station in a north-westerly direction, and though here and there there are a few curves, it is almost in a direct line. The station buildings and platform at Waimate are very commodious, far more so than some stations of greater pretensions. The station is in charge of Mr Edwin Locke, and the arrangements made for the opening, notwithstanding the large amount of traffic on the day, were exceedingly good. Waimate itself, I may aay, is prettily situated at the foot of a range of hills lying to the southward. All are covered here and there with bush, which gives employment to a number of sawmills located here. The township proper is scattered over a flat, and contains a number of well built houses. The land around is of splendid quality, being perhaps some of the finest agricultural land in the province. The opening of the branch line completed to-day will afford an opportunity of bringing into the Christchurch market the splendid timber of the district, and will also enab'e the farmers to take advantage of the trunk line now opened between Christchurch and Oamaru. The weat her up to midday was beautifully fine, and, as I have said, a very large number of persons took advantage of the opening to pay a visit to the pretty little township. After midday, however, it rained heavily, and somewhat damped the fun of the juveniles, who clustered about the train in every conceivable place. But the rain cleared off in the afternoon, and thus the pleasure of the day was not marred. The line now opened is four and a half miles in length, and includes three quarters of a mile of sidings. The permanent way was laid by Mr George Pratt, of Waimate, and Mr Thomas Pain was the contractor for the station buildings and engine shed. The line was commenced some time back, and would have been ready for opening long ago had it not been delayed for sleepers which had to be procured from Oamaru. Consequently the line had to wait until the main trunk line was joined up before the sleepers could be sent. It has been constructed under the superintendence of Mr E. P. Williams, Resident Engineer, and the work has been well done, the train running over it without any oscillation. THE BANQUET. The Waimate folk, unlike their Oamaru neighbors, although their line may be considered but a small one, determined to hold high festival on the occasion. Accordingly invitations were issued to the Mayors of Timaru and Oamaru, with their ladies, and to the members of the Borough Councils of both towns, to be present at a banquet in honor of the event, In addition to these Messrs Conyers, Lawson, Warner, Potts, and other railway officials, together with other gentlemen, were invited guests. The banquet was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, and was a great success, both as regards attendance and the manner in which it was served. A noticeable feature was the presence of a number of ladies at the table. The chair was occupied by Mr Bruce, the chairman of the County Council ; the vice chair being filled by Mr Teschemaker. After lunch the usual loyal toasts were given and duly responded to. The vice-chairman then proposed, “The Army, Navy, and Volunteers,” which was responded to by Lieut Richards ; Mr Gaitt then proposed “ The Mayors and Borough Councils of Oamaru and Timaru,” which was duly responded to by Mr George Cliff (Mayor of Timaru), and Mr W. J Steward (Mayor of Oamaru). Mr Archer then proposed “The Commercial Interests of Canterbury,” which was responded to by Mr Sutter. The chairman proposed “The Resident Engineer," which was responded to by Mr G. P. Williams. The other toasts given were “ The Agricultural and Pastoral Interests,” responded to by Mr Reid ; “ The County Council,” responded to by the chair man; “ The General Manager of Railways," responded to by Mr Conyers ; “ The Railway Staff,” responded toby Mr Lawson ; “The Press,” responded to by Messrs Steward (North Otago Times'), Cuming ( Waitangi Tribune), and Feldwick ( Timaru Herald) Borne capital songs were sung during the proceedings, and generally the whole affair passed off excellently. The visitors left shortly after 6 p.m., and arrived in Timaru at 8 p.m, having spent a very pleasant day.