By Rail to Manutahi.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 228, 29 August 1883, Page 2

By Rail to Manutahi.

The opening of the railway to Manatahi yesterday was quite a soccessfal demonstration.- The train carried about 300 passengers. At Whenaakura a large number of natives were assembled to witness the passage of the train. The " swamp " was passed m safety, although a number of passengers expressed a little uneasinyßß about it. Everything went pleasantly, and the train arrived at Patea at a quarter past twelye. The visitors were welcomed by rhe reception committee, and the Rifle Volunteers, headed by the band, drew no, followed by a procession of school phildren. The Mayor, m a brief address welcomed the Visitors, and deoUred the line open, on behalf of the Government, expressing regret at the absence of the member for the district and Sir Wm. Pox (who was to have declared the line open, but was unable to attend). He also expressed a hope that the time is not far distant when the line would bs opened to Hawera by a similar demonstration. Three cheers

were then given for the Queen aud the / Railway, and afte- a Royal Salute by/ th« Volunteers, the ban! played the National Anthem and led the return procession to town. The Station was gaily decorated with flags and evergreens, and bunting was flying on shipping and all over the town. " A. haudsome arch with the words « Welcome to Patea, ' was erected over the entrance to the station. One hundred people afterwards sat down to luncheon at St. James' Hall. .The, May or of Wanganui conveying to the Patea people the congratnlationaofWanganui, expreaspd the opinion that thejine shoald have be?n completed long ago. Mr Bate said it ! would rest between Wanganui and Patea, which should have the Hawera trade, and they would go to the cheapest port: Mr Bright proposed "the agricultural, pastoral, and commercial interests of the West Coast." He spoke specially with regard to meafcirfaezinff, dairy factories, and direct ciommuncartjon, and he gave statistics to show that the Teranaki district was among the leading ones of the colony, m grain producing^ according to acreage. The County Chairman replied, arguing that farmers must grow more food to supply fat stock daring the winter when good prices are ruling. He concluded by urging the peoples! Ratea and Hawera . to unite m their common interest, The jisitors left by train on the return joarney.