AMBERLEY'-COOK'S STRAITS EXTENSION OF THE NORTHERN RAILWAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1594, 29 March 1879, Page 3

AMBERLEY'-COOK'S STRAITS EXTENSION OF THE NORTHERN RAILWAY.

Yesterday the first sod of tho extension of the railway for six miles seventy chains beyond Arnberley, was celebrated at Brown's Bridge. By invitation of the contractor, Mr peter McGrrath, of Bangiora, a few friends met at high noon at this place, and tho formal ceremonies took place. Several of his friends from Eangiora and Arnberley having arrived at the spot, preparations were made for tho event. At the appointed hour Mrs 11. McLean, of Arnberley, came forward, and in the presence of those on the spot turned the first sod, by lifting the same into a barrow and wheeling it in the orthodox manner to the end of the plank and "tipping"_out of the way of the work, which was done in such a manner as to evoke cheering. She then said— Gentlemon, —I have to thank you for doing mo the honor of asking me to turn tho first sod of the extension of the Ambei-ley-Cook's Straits railway, which forms another important link in the railway communication throughout jS'ow Zealand. I wish the contractors every success, and hope the lino will be a paying one. I alao trust that these railways will add to tho national wealth of our adopted homo. [Loud cheers.] Mr McOrath, stepping forward, thanked Mrs McLean for the workwoman like way in which she had performed the ceremony, and on behalf of himself and his workmen thanked those present for the interest taken in the proceedings. He felt sure they would excuse his powers of making a speech, as he was more of an adept with the shovel. [Cheers.] He thanked all for their attendance, a*d hoped he should be prosperous with hia contract. A supply of champagne having been produced, Mr Eeginald Foster, at the request of those present, had great pleasure in proposing "The health of Mrs H. McLean," who was very highly respected in Arnberley—in fact, Arnberley would not be Arnberley without the McLean's, and he hoped that the services rendered by that estimable lady that day would not only be to the benefit of Arnberley but of the whole country. Mr Hugh McLean, on behalf of Mrs McLean, r'eturned thanks, saying that he tooked upon the progress of the colony as of more interest than the question of the interests of a particular place, but he believed that the interests of Arnberley would be benefitted by the extension. Mr J. Lowthian Wilson proposed the health of the contractor, referring to the fact that Mr McQ-rath had hitherto maintained a very high refutation for the manner in which he had discharged hia contracts with the various Bond Boards, and believing that he would not only give every satisfaction, but complete the contract for the extension of this line in less time than any other to whom the work could have been entrusted.

Mr McGrath, in reply, thanked his Eangiora friends particularly for their attendance, and said he hoped he should be enabled to carry out his contract in good time, and to the satisfaction not only of the Government, but to that of those who were present and had wished him success. It was his intention to do his best to have it completed under the time stipulated, and to perform the whole of the work in a manner which should leave it open to no question in the end. [Cheers.] Mr B. Foster proposed "The Visitors,"and in his speech referred to the fact that as the extension of the railway had not affected Eangiora, neither would it affect Amberley, but the public works scheme would benefio the whole of the country. Mr W. A. Burt responded, expressing his pleasure at being present on the extension of the line to the north to connect he hoped with Brunnerton, in order that they might receive coal from the West Coast and forward stock in return. The health of Mr McGrath's workmen was then proposed, and suitably responded to by the foreman. Success to Mr Foster was drunk with three times three, and that gantleman made a suitable response. Mr G. Cone proposed " The Press," referring to the advancement of the newspapers of the proviso, to which Mr J. Lowthian Wilson responded by expressing the pleasure he felt at assisting in the taking of another step vvhich would lead lo the promotion of the national progress, and he trusted the line would not stop short till it reached the West Coast. " The Canterburj Police Force," to which Constable Watt w<is asked to respond, was then proposed. "The Ladies" was the concluding toast, to which Mr Long responded. Mr McGrath then entertained a large party to luncheon at McLean's Crown Hotel, Amberley. In this contract, it may be stated that there is about 700,000 yards of cutting and embankment. The bridge over the Waipara is 1300 ft. in length. The piles are to be of Australian timber, 35ft. in length, 12in. x 12in squared ; tho other timber to be New Zealand. It is intended as already stated, that this bridge shall be on the trues principle. Mr McGrath has to erect in his contract a first-class station master's house at Waipara, and also on the north side erect a grain shed 30ft. x GOft. He has also to finish the permanent way and put up a fourth-class station at Greeney's, about two miles from Amberley. The line has to be fenced on both sides where not already fenced. The amount of his contract is £21,493 Is. The contract for the building of the Waipara bridge has been sub-let to Messrs Hill and Thoma 3, of Amberley, and Mr George Cone will be overseer of the workmen.