North Island Trunk Railway.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 114, 18 April 1885, Page 2

North Island Trunk Railway.

TUNING THE FIRST *SOD.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) '''.. Auckland, April 16. The ceremony of turning the first sod of the North Island Trunk Railway at the Te Awamutu end of the line was performed yesterday afternoon, and was witnessed by a large assemblage of Natives and Europeans. The preliminary operations were on the south branch of the Puniu River, three miles from Te Awamutu, and immediately within the boundary of what is known as the King Country. Around the spot selected for the ceremony Europeans and Natives to the number of 600 sat or stood m apparent anxious expecntacy, and the importance of the event appeared to be fully realised by all. Precisely at 2 o'clock Mr Hales, District Engineer, stepped forward, as engineer having charge of the local public works. He said he had much pleasure m calling on Wahanui, on behalf of the Native peonle, to commence the work of construction of the railway by turning the first sod. Wahanui divested himself of his coat, and cutting three sods, placed them m the same barrow which was used by Sir George Grey at Clandlelands some time ago. Rewi called upon the Hon. the Premier to wheel the sods away, and Mr Stout, also removing bis coat, wheeled the sods to the end of the plank and tipped them out on to the sward. Loud cheers greeted the 1 conclusion of this part of the ceremony, i the band playing " God save the Queen," | and " Cheer, boys, cheer." -Mr Stout j delivered an admirable address, and so did Wahuni. At (he conclusion of his speech the cheers were renewed, and at the call of the Mayor of Auckland three hearty cheers were given for Wahanui and Rewi. The Premier was shown Over the battlefield at Arakau by Rewi, who related to Mr Stout a number of incidents connected with this memorable fight.