RE COMMENCEMENT OF THE THAMES-WAIKATO RAILWAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1622, 2 May 1879, Page 3

RE COMMENCEMENT OF THE THAMES-WAIKATO RAILWAY.

SIR G. GREY AT HAMILTON.

[By TeleobAph.]

HAMILTON, May 1. TheDeputy-Mayor, Mr W. R. Gwynne, and Dr. Waddington, chairman of the reception committee, spared no trouble nor expense to make the important event celebrated to'day pass off successfully, and they have throughout j been well supported by the Council and jpommittee. ; - At ten &-!clock, carriages were ready wajtiag outside Hamilton Hotel. After luncheon, the Ministerial party drove to Claude's paddock, where brilliant preparations were made for turning the first sod. A small area round the spot selected was enclosed with ropes, decorated with evergreens and flags. The children of various schools assembled in procession, in charge of Messrs Field and Murray. Sir George Grey and party mounted the platform, on which there were Deputy-Mayor Gwynne, Councillors Hulme, Cote, Potter, and Gardner. There were also present Dr. Waddington, Messrs McDonald (General Manager), Stewart (District Engineer), and leading Waikato settlers. The well varnished wheelbarrow and spade were brought on to the ground by Master Robert Gwynne. The proceedings of the day commenced with the following address, handsomely illuminated, being read and presented by the Deputy-Mayor : —" To Sir G. . Grey, KGB. Sir,—Having been deputed by the Mayor of this borough and the committee to act on this occasion, it affords me the greatest pleasure, on behalf of the inhabitants of Waikato and this borough in in welcoming you on this auspicious occasion. The ovent which has been the means of procuring us this pleasure, is fraught with interest to the whole of New Zealand. It is an earnest of the intention of the Government and public to prosecute with vigor that comprehensive scheme of public works which has raised us already to the importance and dignity of a nation. It is also a guarantee that the menaces, which have existed for many years from hostile tribes, will speedily be abolished and additional security given to investors and settlers. The committee, on asking you to turn the first sod at this end of the Waikato and Thames Valley Railway, desire to express to you the great satisfaction which they feel in common with the inhabitants of tho district, and to wish you cordially health and prosperity, and also to thank you for your attendance here to-day. Signed for the borough of Hamilton and the railway committee—R. Gwynne, DeputyMayor." In reply Sir G. Grey expressed his thanks for the address. It was equally a pleasure to himself as to them to be present at the inauguration of bo great a work. He and his colleagues were desirous of seeing the Public Works policy carried out in a vigorous manner. His colleague present, Mr Sheehan, he was delighted to say, was a young colonial, showing to the rising colonists what great men they might become. The wisdom of the Public Works policy was no longer to be doubted. The railways in the Middle Island were paying well, and yielding an income which in England would be considered handsome. The first railways were made near great centres, where population was greatest and most votes exercised. Now the scheme embraced the construction of railways in newly Bettled districts with arising population. He was desirous in future that those districts which hitherto had not felt the benefit of public works should do so. He would be delighted to give effect to the will of the people and assist to carry out a progressive policy in the colony until it was raised to the position of a great nation. [Cheers.] Sir G. Grey concluded with an eloquent peroration.

The assemblage then adjourned to turn the sod during a heavy downpour of rain. Sir GK Grey tossed the sod into a barrow and trundled the barrow along the stage, and, evidently improving by practice, deposited the sod upside down amid vociferous cheers. The Premier again briefly addressed the Eeople. Another great work, he said, was egun, and he felt the honor of the position.

Three cheers were then given for Sir G. G-rey, and three for Mr Sheehan. The Mayors of the Thames and Auckland were present, but did not speak in consequence of the rain. The turning o.f the Bod and after speech only lasted about ten minutes ; when there was a grand rush of vehicles to the river to reach the punt first. The Ministerial party drove through Hamilton to the station, departing for Ngaruawuhia. They left for Alexandra about 6 o'clock.