THE PUBLISHED DAILY. THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 1873.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1515, 12 June 1873, Page 2

THE PUBLISHED DAILY. THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 1873.

THE BRUNNER. RAILWAY.

TURNING THE FIRST SOD.

The ceremony of turning the first sod of the Greymouth and Brunnerton Railway took place yesterday. The town in the early part of the morning presented an unusually lively appearance, partly owiDg to the large concourse of visitors, from Hokitika and the up-river districts, but principally in consequence of thecrowds of expectant sightseers, who evidently intended to make a holiday in the broadest meaning of the word on the occasion. The members of the several Committees appointed to carry out the details of the arrangements were busily engaged making preparations, and by ten o'clock most of those who were announced to take part in the procession had assembled in Boundary street. After some delay caused by getting the various bodies, into proper order, . the march was commenced. The children attending the , different schools in Grey^ mouth and Cobden mustered in force, and made not only one of the most numerous but also one of the most attractive 'and. interesting features in the procession. The sight of so many bright and happy face 3, gave a special charm to the gathering, and brought forth expressions of pleasure and astonishment from the visitors from other places. The large concourse of little ones which can ; always be brought together at Greymouth, has more than once before been the. cause of remark, notably on the occasion of the visit of Sir G. F. Bowen to Greymouth. The fact that youthful* education is not neglected is shown by the circumstance that the different schools are always well represented, for children who are not' attached to any of the local schools are invariably few in number. Each school was preceded by its banner with a distinctive motto and appropriate device, descriptive either of the religion or nationality of its miniature followers. The number of school children in the procession is variously estimated, but the probable figure would be about 400, not including a cloud of little waifs hanging on the flank 3of the regular juvenile rank and file, who, not having any recognised position set apart for them in the cavalcade, crowded as close as possible to the place where the flags and banners were waving. The Police force of the County next, under tho command of Inspector Hickson and Commissioner Jame3. The Town Band, under the leadership of the Acting-Bandmaster followed. The band paraded the streets during the morning ■ playing suitable airs, and their valuable services throughout the faay contributed a good deal to the success of the demonstration. The band is to be complimented upon the taste displayed in the appropriate selection 1 of the .music which they rendered with spirit and ability at the different parts of the • festivities. The Friendly Societies came after the baud — each preceded by its distinguishing banner. ; The several Associations were in considerable numbers, and dressed in the regalia of their orders. The members of the H.A.C.B. Society, the Foresters, both Lodges of Oddfellows, and Other kindred societies were well represented in : . the procession. The Fire Brigade was next, under Captain Eissenhardt iand his lieutenants. ■:; The Brigade was iri uniform, and mustered in force, preceded by their fine new banner. The Volunteer Rifle Rangers, under command of Captain Hamilton, came after the Fire Brigade. This was the best turn out of the Greymouth Rangers for a long timo, and they certainly made a cretidable appearance, considering that several of the members of the corps were scattered in otherparts of the profession . The members of the Civil Service, both of the County of Westland and Nelson were also well represented, and next in order came the heads of the Engineers and Surveyors' departments, including the Engineer and Surveyors of the Railway line. • The members of the Bar followed and.pre- ; ceeded his Honor Judge Harvey, who j was accompanied by Messrs Revell and Whitefoord, the Resident Magistrates and i Wardens of Greymouth and the Grey Valley respectively. A place was as-: signed in the programme to the members of the Press, but the '< Fourth Estate " as a body became scattered, early in the day, and took up positions here and there in different parts of the procession, or wherever a p oint of vantage could be obtained fpr hearing or seeing what -was taking place. The Clergy wfere represented by the Rev. Messrs Watkins and Flavell in the prooession, and by other members of the profession who walked among the general public. Messrs Martin Kennedy and Peter Dungan represented the County Council, the other member for the district, Mr W. S. Smith, being with the Rifle Rangers. The Borough Council of Hokitika was represented by Messrs Hawkins and Clarke, and the Greymouth Council was represented by all the members, with the Town Clerks of both Municipalities, preceeded by the I Hon. H. H. Lahman, who represented the Legislative Council, and W. H. Harrison, Esq., M.H.R. for the electoral district of the Grey Valley. Mr Harrison was supported by Messrs Masters and Todd, the Mayors of Greymouth and Hokitika. The members of the General and Sub-Committees having the direction of the demonstration, who were not in other parts of the procession, came next, and the general public brought up the rear. The place selected for the performance of the ceremony was a spot about half a mile from the Post Office, on the Grey Valley road, and riot far from the residence of Mr Coe. When the cavalcade arrived at the ground, the Volunteers and Firemen opened into double lins to allow those in the pro-

cession who were to be admitted into the enclosure to pass. The ground inside the fence/ was kept by the police.. ; All the arrangements being completed, Mr Harrison, who came from Wellington at the special' invitation of MivHnngerford, the contractor for forming the railway, to perform the ceremony, advanced, and, "in a very workmanlike manner," excavated THE FIRST SOD "Of the first railway to be constructed in this part of New Zealand. The sod was "cut and placed in a wheelbarrow, the implements used being manufactured for the purpose- in a fanciful style of handicraft, and the barrow was wheeled to the end of a gangway erected for a distance of about 40ft from the spot where the sod was dug io.ut. When the earth was tipped out, the barrow was replaced where the surface was broken. The. actual performance of the typical operation being concluded, a. prolonged cheer arose from the multitude* gathered around, which by this time was estimated at between 2000 or 3000 spectators. The scene at this time, even allowing for the circumstances and occasion, presented almost a grand appearance. The spot was admirably selected, and from the configuration of the locality every one of the vast concourse could see what Was going oh. The situation was on a level platform overhanging the Grey River and immediately below < the main road at a place where it takes a bend inland and upwards, forming a crescent. The crown of the elevation in the road was guarded by mounted police officers, who stopped the traffic temporarily and prevented any interruption to the proceeding. '.. : The Fire Brigade was . spread out eastward along the road, thus formingthe right wing of the auditory, if the assemblage can be so desribed ; to the left were, as if in an amphitheatre, 'tifer upon tier of sightseers, perched upon every available spot where a view could beobtained, and the na'tiiral, formation of ; the limestone ranges in the vicinity favored the selection of good positions. In the centre, also ranged along the road and close to the edge of ; the i-terrace, were the children of the several schools with their teachers and those who were assisting them. Below, on the -space where the ceremony of turning the sod took -pldce, ■■•" were a group of which Mr Harrison formed the centre, and standing round him were Judge Harvey,. Messrs Lahman, Hungerford, and Hoos; the members of the County. ■ Council, the Mayors, members and Town Clerks of both Borough Councils, the Gold Fields Wardens, the officers of the Volunteers, those of the Police Force, and Fire Brigade, the heads of the Government Departments, the representatives of the Press of Greymouth, Hokitika, and Ahaura, and a number of leading citizens from the principal towns on the Coast. When Mr Harrison had finished the operative part of the ceremony he addressed the people for some time. In the course of his remarks. Mr Hahrison said ; Mr Hungerford, when I accepted your, invitation to perform the ceremony of turning the first sod of the Greymouth and. Brunner Railway, I, did. so with greater pleasure and .na.tin£ttotion..-fco -myself than I ever experienced upon, any former occasion during the many years that I have been in public life. . First of all because the. railway, the construction of which we are met here to-day to inaugurate, .. is. one which, during -the six years I resided in this district, and for nearly two years since, J. have in many; ways both in the press and in my place in Parliament urged as one of the most important works for securing the permanent prosperity of the district, arid one of very great importance to the whole' Colony. It has been a misfortune to both that this line was not constructed several years ago. It would have saved hundreds of thousands of pounds that have been sent out of the Colony to New South! Wales for an article which exists in vast quantity in and arouu.d those hills which; we see a few miles before us.. It would!, long ere this, have established a large permanent trade, and would now be affording regular and remunerative employment to hundreds of men. Beside, it would' have. materially assisted in developing the other resources of rhe district, by cheapening food, and by giving facilities for travelling and the transit of goods. Several causes have occasioned the delay up to this time in the construction of this line. Partly the reluctance of the Nelson Government to release its hold on the Brunner Mine, and partly because of the failure of the company formed in Christchurch to carry out its operations. During the interval between the failure of the Canterbury Company and the meeting of the Assembly, in 1870, several private efforts were made to develop the coal mines and construct a railway, but from causes which I am not prepared just now to explain, they failed. In the session of 1870, the Ministry of which the Hon. Mr Fox was the head, introduced the great Public Works and Immigration scheme which 'is now being carried out actively all over the Colony. Parliament passed the Act with modifications, and fixed a schedule of the lines which the Government was authorised to survey before the next session, amongst which was thi3 one. A survey and estimate were made in 1871. Parliament voted the money for the line. But early in 1872, partly in consequence of the fresh works rendered necessary by the great flood, and partly by the necessity of making certain deviations from the original survey, a further survey had to be made and fresh estimates submitted to Parliament. The money Was voted last session, the contract let, and. we now witness a commen cement of the fruition of our hopes. That this railway will be of enormous advantage to the Grey district, no one would venture to doubt. Valuable and useful in populating and sustaining the Grey Valley, as its gold discoveries have been, and will be, we may all hope, for many years to remain ; |the history of all gold producing countries teaches us that no country can become permanently prosperous unless other industries than goldraining are developed suited to their special circumstances. Here, in these Western wilds, we have not the magnificent agricultural resources of California, nor even those of the Province of Otago, in our own Colony, and it will be many years before our vasts forests will be converted into farms. But to preserve, and ultimately take the place of our gold production, we have other extensive resources — timber and coal. I hope that before even a few years shall have passed, we shall on this very spot see never-ceasing trains laden with black-diamonds and timber speeding their way to load the

ships which will throng our quays. But this railway will not be complete until it is carried further up the river, and made a connecting link of tfoj great main line of this portion of the Colony. Gratifying as it is to me-to be present at the initiation of this line, it will be still more satisfactory to see its completion, at which I also hope to be present. You, Sir (Mr . Huhgerford), will, I have, no doubt, carry out your work faithfully and well ; you bring here the character of an energetic and able contractor, and I hope that no unforseen difficulties will prevent your completing; your portion of the line within the contract time. While Mr Harrison was speaking, Messrs Tait Brothers took a photograph of the scene. At the conclusion of the address, which was loudly applauded, cheers were given for Mr Harrison, the Mayor of Greymouth, the Mayor of Hokitika, Mr Hungerford, and Mr Yogel. The school children then sang the "National Anthem," and' Captain Hamilton called for three cheers for the Queen, which were heartily and lustily given, everyone joining. The procession was then reformed, and the march back to town was commenced. Opposite the Post Office a halt was made, and the Mayor of Greymouth addressedjihe procession, and thanked those who took part in it for their attendance. The children, with their teachers and friends, were taken to the Town Hall, where they were plentifully regaled with everything in which children usually delight. The afternoon was devoted by the youngsters to sports on the Camp Reserve, where they were visited by the Town Band, who played to them^ when the formal part of the proceedings at the banquet, at Gilmer's, was over.

The goods Transit Shed, on the wharf, was a lively place from the time the procession dispersed until nightfall. There were unlimited quantities of beef, bread, and beer, and these indispensable concomitants to all inaugural ceremonies were certainly made the most of. Nearly half a ton weight of solids were provided by the Committee for the free feast, and the liquids were in such profusion that, for the first time, perhaps, in the history of such events, the beer was in such quantities that it could not be all consumed. Several popular leaders addressed the lunchist3, and towards evening, when the sport began to wax fast and furious, a well-known orator and a " man of the people" mounted an impromptu platform, and held forth eloquently to the workingmen on the glorious event which had just taken place — not the luncheon, but the inauguration of the railway, which wouldbe the means of giving employment to hundreds, and of effectually doing away with the truck system. Every now and again, a little playful •' scrimmaging" would take place, but the combatants, so as not to disturb the harmony of the proceedings, would adjourn to the well-kept conservatories surrounding the villas opposite the Transit Shed to try conclusions and settle their differences " amicably." No damage of a serious nature took place, and on the whole everything passed off in an orderly and good humored manner. im n.-fine display of bunting from the shipping in the river,, and the Signal Station, on the North Spit, was gaily decked out. The day was observed as a holiday at Hokitika as well as at Greymouth and the country towns. In the evening there was a fine display of fireworks and home-made artillery, which were much enjoyed by the juvenile portion of the spectators, and, in fact, the youngsters seemed to be fully convinced that the whole demonstration, from beginning to end, was got up for their special amusement. The Marshals of the processsion, Messrs F. Hamilton, Wickes, H. Kenrick, and Strike, as well as the members of the several Committees, cannot be too highly complimented on the completeness and success of the arrangements made by them both for the procession and the luncheons. THE BANQUET. About an hour after the procession returned to town, a banquet took place in the large room over Kennedy Brothers store, entering from Gilmer's Hotel. Over 200 gentlemen sat down. E. Masters, Esq., Mayor, occupied the chair, supported on the right by W, H. Harrison, Esq., M.H.R., his Honor Judge Harvey, Councillor Clark (Hokitika), Messrs P. Dangan, M.C.C., C. Whitefoord, R.M. ; W. H. Revell, R.M., &c. ; and on the left by Messrs Todd (Mayor of Hokitika), H. H. Lahman, M.L.C., — Giesow, District Engineer ; — • Muller, County Engineer ; Councillor Hawkins (Hokitika), and the Rev. Messrs Watkins. and Flavell, &c. The Vice-Chairmen were Messrs J. Wylde, F. Hamilton, and E. Wickes. The Chairman proposed the first toast — " Her Majesty the Queen," which was duly honored, the band playing the National A.nthem. The Chairman then gaye — ■" The Prince of Wales and Royal Family," and Sir G, Arney, the Officer administering the Government of New Zealand. : The Chairman proposed the toast — "The General Assembly," coupled with the name of the Hon. Mr Lahman. The band then played "Down among the dead men," which caused great amusement. The Hon. Mr Lahman said he owed it to his position of being a member of the Legislative Council that he was called upon to respond to this toast. On an occasion like the present their representatives in the Parliament of the Colony had good reason to be proud of their positions, and of the people they represented, more especially when their efforts were so ably seconded by their constituents. With regard to the proceedings of that day, he took no credit to himself, but willingly gave it all to their worthy member, Mr Harrison, who had worked hard to see it accomplished. (Applause.) That the construction of the railway was of the utmost importance to the town and district he did not think any one would deny, especially when they remembered that the making of the railway was the primary course of the making of the stone protective works, which, during the late floods had saved the town from destruction. (Applause.) He hoped it would not be considered out of place for him to state that the citizens of this town and district were greatly indebted to their member in the House of Representatives (Mr Harrison), for it was owing partially to his efforts that they had this day seen the commencement of a great work, which would immensely beneßt the district. It should not be forgotten that great obstacles had been thrown in the way of the construction of

this railway line, but their member, both in the Assembly, and while he was connected with the Gkey River Argus, had worked hard to obtain the making of this line. (Applause.) At the same- time it must also be remembered that it was entirely owing, to the Fox- Vogel Ministry, and to the master-spirit of the Hon. Julius Yogel that these public works had been . initiated— (loud cheers) — and which were now: being carried on throughout the Colony. He concluded by proposing — ' 'Three cheers for the Hon. Julius Yogel, " which were heartily given. The Chairman then proposed the toast — "The Premier and members of Vthe Colonial Government." He thought they ' were all agreed that they were, greatly indebted to the present members of the Government for the manner in which they had. attended to the wants of the town and district. Whenever called upon they had been ready to come forward, whether it was the County Council or the Borough Council that made the request. (Applause.) At the same time.it should be remembered that both Messrs T?ox and Yogel had shown every attention to this district, and displayed no partiality to other parts of the Colony. They certainly deserved the hearty thanks of the whole community for the ready and pleasant manner in which they had answered all correspondence which had been addressed to them, showing clearly that the Government had the welfare of the : whole Colony' at heart. But for the protective works, there, would now have; been very little of Greymouth left on this side of the Tidal Creek. (Applause.) Band : "They are jolly good fellows," followed by enthusiastic cheera. The Chairman proposed — "The County Chairman and County Council of Westland,: coupled with the names of Messrs Smith,. Kennedy, and Dungan." The gentlemen' named replied. ; ; - The Chairman then proposed the toast of the day— "Success tb the Greyihdiith and Brunnerton Railway, coupled, with the name of Mr Harrison." The toast was. received with musical honors. ', Mr Harrison, in reply, said ; that the toast contained within itself all that could be said in its behalf. The construction of a railway now-a-days. meant its success. (Cheers.) It was within a comparatively recent : period that ■ : the construction -of sail ways had become to be regarded ■ : rfs' ; the great key of the development of countries like New' Zealand. • The experiment had been made latterly in countries which presented even less facilities for railways than this Colony. But in every instance success had followed the introduction of the railway system. Look at Canada, which ten years ago was without railways, and now it had 3000 miles of the iron road penetrating its most remote districts, and opening up the country in advance of the ordinary colonisation. As soon as a tract of country was discovered fit for settlement, the railway and the telegraph followed, and population travelled close in the rear. In the United States, the same results had occurred in a more extensive form. It was within the memory of many of those who had read .Catlin's great work regarding the Red Skins of the Pirairies of the Westj that' the vast and Imagiiificient. country now occupied- by flourishing farmer's, and which was ialso the seat of . important and rapidly - growing manufactories was within a comparatively short time the home only of the buffalo and the Indian. What had accomplished the great change which; had taken place '?— the Raihvay — that grand iron road which carried with its every mile the elements and conditions of civilisation. They might regard the advantages of railway '. communication from a nearer point of : view. : It was not so many years ago that when Mr Moorhouse,! then, the Superintendent of Canterbury, proposed the construction of a railway between Lyttelton and Christchurch. He : (Mr Harrison) Well remembered the time when Mr Moorhouse was; regarded generally throughout the Colony as an enthusiast — a visionary — although many of those who then opposed him are now strong approvers of the policy now in course of action throughout the Colony. What was the result of the so-called hairbrained scheme of Mr Moorhouse ? Simply this, that the " hole through the hill " which he managed to accomplish hq,s been the making of the Province of Canterbury. What was the use or value of its vast extent of open land before the railway was constructed ? He : could remember well when the large expanse of the Canterbury plains was peopled only by scattered flocks and occasional habitations of men; but now anyone travelling over these plains would see in the proper season a waving sea of golden wheat, and instead of the occasional bleating of sheep, he would hear the humming noise of the steam threshingmachine. But fpr the railways in Canterbury it could never have become what it now is. Turn again to Otago and the same remarks might be made. He could remember when hard-working settlers felt a great harvest as a misfortune, because they, could not bring their produce to market at a cost which would leave them a margin of profit Now, things were altered : the commencement of the railway system in Otago had begot confidence throughout the Province, property was daily increasing in value, and great competition existed for the possession of land. He might go further, and. point to the Province of Auckland which, before the adoption of the policy introduced by the Fox- Vogel Government, had little hope of becoming permanently prosperous. What had been the effect of this policy in that Province ? Simply this — that there wa3 never so much competition for lands in the Waikato, as there is now. Similar results would iollow here. The railway inaugurated to-day was only; he hoped, an instalment of a main' line connecting the whole of the West Coast Gold Fields with the rest of the Colony, and he believed that the scheme of the Government would not only be incomplete but unprofitable, if the West Coast was not included in the great main line. He had no doubt of the success of the line just initiated, and he regarded it as one of the most profitable railways which the Government had undertaken to construct. (Cheers.) Councillor Woolcock then proposed the toast—" The Mayor and Borough Council of Hokitika," thanking them for their attendance, and assuring them that the Council . of Greymouth would muster in force when they were invited for any similar occasion at Hokitika, Three cheers were then given for the Mayor, Councillors, and Town Clerk of Hokitika. : , '■ ! Mr Todd (Mayor ' of Hokitika) re- : sponded. He said it afforded him great . . ;

pleasure to be present that day, and he returned thanks on behalf of the Corporation of Hokitika for the honor which ..had been done them. . He had. been received with the greatest courtesy. Everywhere he had met with a warm-hearted lot of people, who gave him a grip which meant nothing but the the warmest friendship. (Applausev) would, say f "honor, to whom, honor was due," : a!nd 'certainly the 1 Grey district deserved honor for the unanimity .with, which it had" put forward 'its efforts to" obtain this railway. <It was- riot yet got, but it was quite as good. He would say more', but as there was to be a/meeting held ! on the railway question next evening, it would be out of place, for him to speak further "on the question. Mr E. Wickes then proposed the health of the Hon. W. Fox, late Premier of New Zealand. He said that the acquaintance of the people, of this town with Mr Fox was made under very peculiar circumstances, in 1871, on the occasion of the bi^ flood. His answer to the request from; this town: was like an angel's visit, and within twenty-four hours he came up the river himself, in the steamer Murray. He saw the wreck that had been made of the town, and at once ordered the stone .protective work to proceed, although they had afterwards to. be sanctioned by the Assembly. He trusted that when the silvery grey hairs were circling round the; brows of the younger members of this community, they would ever remember the 'name of Williarri Fox, for the truly patriotic manner in which he had, acted towards this J town in its dire extremity. (Great applause.) The toast was drank with enthusiasm. Mr Harrison then proposed— " The Mayor and. Corporation of Greymouth ;" to which the Mayor responded, explairi- , ing. the difficulties under which the Conn-, oil .' had labored regarding 1 the protective ! works, the loan which was. about to be raised to finish the streets of the borough, and. the efforts being made to induce the General Government to continue the protective works as far, as Johnston street. Judge Harvey then proposed the toast /'•The Clergy," remarkirig that he was '■ very much pleased to see two gentlemen belonging to the church. present on that occasion. . : .-;;•: ; . .: ;. , The Revds. Messrs .: Watkins and "'JPiiAY'EitTi replied in suitable terms. Mr M. Kennedy proposed thertdast of —"The Bench and the Bar," coupled with the names of Judge Harvey and Mr Newton, He remarked that it was necessary, in order to jealously, guard, the liberty of the subject, that the legal profession should not only, have the confidence of the people, but it should be above suspicion. ■ - Judge Harvey, in responding, said the reputation of the legal profession could not be too jealously guarded, and every 'member of it, from the office boy to the judge on the Bench, should not only be beyond reproach, but also should be above suspicion. The Bench arid Bar of Great Britain was a recognised model and an acknowledged standard for the profession all over the world, arid had always maintained its repktation for honor and in? tegiity. He hoped it would long continue SO. ■ f .-- . .;• :'.".; ;•■ Mr Newton replied for the Bar, ■ -,:'■' . Judge Harvey, in proposing the (t Commercial Interest, " said the undertaking they had initiated that day had a special reference to the advancement r of the mercantile interest, 1 : and 'they- should" not be content to allow the railway thbsinaugurated to stop at Greynaouth when it was niade. The whole Coast should be connected with the* outer world, and the plan which would connect the seaboard with one of the main trunk lines, wdultf be the one deserving the greatest .support. There was no doubt the railway would pay, because if a railway were made through the Desert of Sahara, or to Timbuctoo, it would pay eventually, but a coriapriehensive railway 'system was what. would v further all the interests, conimer-' cial and otherwise, on the West Coast. ■;' Mr I J. S. M. Thompson replied to the* toast and felt pride and pleasure in doing, so— pride at being called to respond to such a toast, enthusiastically received as it was, and pleased at seeing such an assemblage 1 on r an l occasion which would mark a new era in the commercial progress of the Grey district. The. com*: merciai prosperity of the place was never so sound or flourishing, and he hoped it would continue so. Mr Jas. Wyldb proposed the toast of " The Mining Interest, cdupled with the name of Mr P. Dungan. MrDuNQAN replied, and said, as the representative of a mining constituency, in the County Council, he had assisted in furthering the mining interest to the bestof his power. Mr Dungan spoke of the importance of the mining interest and the necessity of fostering it, for hitnerto it had not received the encouragement it was entitled to: In "Victoria arid New South Wales, it was at one time considered of only secondary importance, but now it was the mainstay and prop of these colonies, and it had to be considered so in New Zealand, if real prosperity and progress was desired. (Cheers). Mr' Cooper proposed— "The health of Mr Hungerford," and although he (the speaker 1 ) was not.the.* succesful- tenderer for making the railway, he believed Mr Hungerford;Would carry out his contract fairly, for he had the credit; and reputation of performing all his undertakings in a satisfactory manner. Mr Hungerford briefly replied. Mr Heber Newton, in an able and eloquent speech, which we regret our space will not permit us to give at full length, prbpbsed "The Press." : Mr John Arnott, of the Gkey River AitGTis, aqd Mr J.P. Kmen, of the West Coast Times, responded to the toast. Mr Wyide proposed the 1 health of— " The Ladies,".and Mr F. Kent efficiently responded in a characteristic speech. Several other toasts were proposed and drank, and at three o'clock. the company dispersed. This terminated the proceedings imme- \. diately connected with the most successful 1 / public demonstration, and the one of greatest magnitude and importance to the material progress of the district which has ever taken place in Greymouth,' if not on the West Coast.

In the evening there was a ball in honor of the event, held at Gilmer's Hall, which, we believe, was largely attended, and passed off successfully; f