THE RAILWAY DEMONSTRATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5497, 8 November 1878, Page 6

THE RAILWAY DEMONSTRATION.

(FROM OCR SPECIAL REPORTER.) ’ But for »u unlucky conti elcnips, which will bo recorded in the duo course of its Occurrence, October 12th must have been registered as one of the red-letter days in the history of ■Wellington, because that day was set apart for the official performance of a ceremony far exceeding in importance anything of a similar kind that had ever preceded it; but circumstances of the most unforeseen character interposed, and converted what would otherwise have been a most auspicious event into an affair that could not well be surpassed for the inglorious and disappointing nature of its termination. I must be careful, however, to record events in their categorical order, and to reserve what was certainly the most amusing chapter in connection with Saturday’s trip, and the chagrin it created, until the end of my communoatipn, in order that those who did not, as the French say, assist in the festivities of the occasion, may laugh all the more heartily at the expense of those who did. And indeed the affair had such a ludicrous finish that I am sure those by whom the shock of disappointment was felt most acutely will have so far recovered from it by this time as to relish the joke quite as much as those who congratulated themselves on having “ slept it out," and enjoyed their morning coffee in their usual leisurely way, regardless of other mortals who had risen at an unearthly hour and gallopped through a breakfast in helter-skelter fashion, in order that they might not be de- . prived of the opportunity to witness an event that was to mark the commencement of a new era in the progressional history of this part of New Zealand,

Consistently with the importance of the occasion, every-preparation that could suggest itself was made to impart to the affair its due amount of eclat. The peopieot Wellington and the Wairarapa were not forgetful of the hospitality that was extended to Northern visitors when the Great Southern Railway was opened from Christchurch to Dunedin. They emulated the example of their Southern neighbors; money poured in with a liberal flow which exceeded the most sanguinary expectations, and every exertion was made to convince strangers that so far as hospitality' could assert itself, the people of the Wairarapa would not give way to any other community in New Zealand. A monster banquet at Featherston was agreed upon as constituting the most prominent feature in the day’s proceedings; strenuous efforts were put into execution with a view to the comfortable accommodation of the hundreds of visitors to whom invitations had been issued, so that all classes of the population might be adequately represented; and everything bade fair for the success of the demonstration. Nor is it to be wondered at that men’s time and money were given so cheerfully to the fitting consummation of so great an' undertaking, when it is considered how materially the linking together of the city and country districts by a line of railway must add to the progress and prosperity of each. What Sir Julius Vogel's great Public Works schema has done for other parts of the colony it must assuredly effect in this instance also ; and not only the city, but the country districts themselves, must reap the same advantages as have accrued in other places from the establishment of railway communication. I have been induced to make this digression because I feel strongly that to Sir Julius Vogel’s Public Worksscheme, the present prosperous condition of the colony is mainly attributable ; and there is another name also that deserves to be mentioned in conjunction with that of the AgentGeneral. Need I say I refer to the Hon. B. Richardson, who, os Minister for Public Works under the Vogel administration, devoted himself so earnestly and successfully to the prao-' tical carrying out of the Premier’s grand policy of opening up the country, and who retired from that position, carrying with him the goodwill of everybody who had come in contact with him in his official capa-' city, and a generally-expressed feeling on the part of the colonists that the colony could illafford to lose the services of a gentleman who had shown so much ability as Mr. Richardson had displayed as Public Works Minister. Sooner or later, the time will come when the people of New Zealand will recognise in a substantial manner the public services of these two gentlemen, whose names cannot possibly be dissociated from any affair, large or small, that indicates a further development of that great policy which the oue was bold enough and sufficiently far-seeing to propose to the country for its acceptance, and the other to initiate and carry oat to the successful lengths at which he left it to his successor in office.

The opening of through railway communication between 'Wellington and the Wairarapa was, as I have already said, fixed for Saturday last, and the ceremony was to be performed by his Excellency the Governor. The tickets issued by the Railway Department announced that the train would leave the Wellington station at 8.13 a.m., but it was pretty generally known that it would not take its departure until 9 o’clock, and that the officials had resorted to an innocent device which would enable them to have an additional quarter of an hour to put everything comme il faut before starting. Had people prayed for it, a more cheerless morning could not have presented itself. The rain, which bad fallen almost continuously daring the whole of the preceding night, came down in heavy showers at short intervals, and the whole prospect was one of the gloomiest that could well be described. In the city itself there were no indications of a change in the weather, and the same leaden, dismal hue presented itself in the direction whither the excursionists were bent on going with the most recklass unconcern for the weather or its consequences. Now and again, it was just possible to distinguish the tops of the ranges that domineer the valleys of the Hutt; but if these had been the only mountains that Campbell ever saw, and if he had gazed at them under the same circumstances as your “ special,” he would never have exclaimed—- " ’Xla distance lends enchantment to the view, And clothes the mountain with its azure hue.”

Of course those people who are dreadfully careful of themselves on all occasions did not put in an appearance at the railway station, and those who did were busy congratulating each other that the anticipated crush would net eventuate, and that they would be carried to their : destination without being subjected to those personal discomforts which are the result of overcrowding. There was plenty of room for everybody. The carriage containing his Excellency the Governor, his aide-de-camp, and private secretary reached, the station at nine o’clock punctually, and in two minutes more the inaugural train was in motion, drawn by two engines gaily decorated with flags and evergreens. Once away from the platform, there was nothing to indicate that anything out of the ordinary ; way was taking place. Here and there, as the- train moved along the Hutt-road, a face would appear at a window, or the unusual length of the passing train would sufficiently arouse the curiosity of some people to bring them to their doors to look after it;but enthusiasm there was none, if I am to except the efforts of a few urchins, who, sitting on the railway fence at a certain part of the -line, waived handkerchiefs that were as clean as their faces might have been, and kept cheering until distance and the dreadful noise of the narrow-gauge carriages drowned the youthful sounds. At the Lower Ixutt station, however, there were outward signs of doing honor to the occasion, but these efforts were confined to the station itself, and the decorations consisted of ferns, flax, and other green material, which were distribute!/ abundantly and with considerable taste. The distance between Wellington and the Lower Hutt was accomplished, without stoppage, iu exactly twenty minutes. Shortly after passing Fetone station it became evident that the recent heavy rains had caused the Hutt River to overflow its banks, and os the train advanced the evidences of impending desolation became more alarming. Viewed from the railway carriages, the expanse of water was vastly in excess of visible land; in somo places houses appeared to be entirely surrounded. The water in some localities had reached the tops of the fences. Neatly cultivated plots on the higher levels of the valley .wore threatened with approaching submersion, and the whole scene was about as dismal a one as I have ever witnessed in the country. The effects of the overflow were apparent all the way up until we got for come distance beyond the main bridge, and I perceived that the coach road in its vicinity was entirely covered by water. We had made a stoppage of eight minutes at the Lower Hntt to pick up Sir Wm. Fitzherbert, Mr. Bunny, and a few ladies, and leaving again at 9.80 a,m., we arrived at the Upper Hutt at 10,3, exactly one hour and a minute rom Wellington.' Aftorastayof soventeenminutesattheTJpper Hutt, in the course of which a carriage that was not required was detached and a bogie engine placed at the carriages to push them up, wo commenced the fifteen miles ascent of 1 in 35. r Our progress was necessarily slow, and owing to the slippery condition of the rails the wheels of the engines were frequently observed to perform sundry revolutions before gripping them. Seated in a carriage at the tail-end of the train, the sight it presented wind-

ing round the serpentine curves of the mountain was exceedingly piotnresque, as, like a wounded snake, it dragged its slow length along towards the summit. Ail went merry as a marriage bell, and as wo got higher and higher the lines of Pope suggested themselves—- “ Increasing prospect tires our wandering eyes, Hills peep o’er hills, and Alps on Alps arise."

The rate at which we travelled was the subject of a considerable amount of ridicule ; some declared that they would get out, walk to Featherstou, and tell the people there that we were coming;but little did they dream of the bar rier to our progress that lay but a mile or two further on. When the train stopped at Kaitoke at one minute past 11 eleven o'clock, it was whispered that the train could proceed no further, in consequence of large land slips that had taken place during the night. At first the statement was accepted as so much chaff, but when one of the front engines was detached and Messrs. Lawson, Blair, and Hales took it up the line for the purpose of ascertaining whether the train could really proceed, the excursionists were not quite so joyful as they had been a few minutes previously, and the small sprinkling of ladies, on whom the uninviting weather of the morning bad no deterrent influences* looked particularly disappointed when Mr. Lawson and the other railway officials returned with the information that there was no help for it but to make our way back to Wellington. Several slips were reported, the aggregate being so serious as to require three or four days to put matters right again. During the stay at Kaitoke, the excursionists availed themselves of the- excellent refreshments provided at the hotel, and a start for home was made about noon. The necessity for having telegraphic communication along all railway lines manifested itself at Kaitoke, when the true state of affairs was ascertained. It was known that the people of Featherstou would be in momentary expectation of seeing the train approach that township, and yet it was impossible to send them intelligence that the train could not possibly go on. Neither was it possible to acquaint the railway authorities south of Kaitoke that the special train was returning, and until the Upper Hutt was reached every one took it for granted that the excursionists were enjoying the hospitality of the Wairarapa settlers. Every precaution was taken to prevent accident on the return journey from Kaitoke, and the enginedrivers blew their whistles as the train approached the various curves along the line. There is no knowing, however, what serious accident might have resulted from the return of a train which was supposed to be in Featherston, and, therefore, the sooner a telegraph line is established the better. As soon as the Upper Hutt was reached there was an immediate rush for the telegraph office, and the intelligence' was telegraphed far and wide. The danger of a collision was no longer to be feared, as the various stations were advised by the Commissioner, and the special train arrived in Wellington about two o’clock in the afternoon. Although sadly disappointed themselves, and “ chaffed” most unmercifully by those who did not accompany .them, the excursionists felt very much for the people of the Wairarapa who had spared themselves no exertion to give their visitors a reception worthy of the district and the occasion. THE HOLIDAY IK TOWK. The fete on Oct. 15th showed how thoroughly Wellington people enjoy a holiday when they get one. The sole drawback was the dust, which to some extent made most: of the pleasure-seekers look a little shabby in their appearance, and what a comrade called rather “ weepy " about the eyes. It must have been a source of satisfaction to those who were painfully conscious that the newness of their holiday coats was a thing of the past, to feel that rude Boreas had made the “ shiniest ” broadcloth equally shabby-looking. The shipping, the banks, the fire brigade stations, at an early hour all presented a gay appearance, from the tasteful display of banting with which they weredecked. Barrett’s Hotel, as aresortof many up-country settlers, celebrated the occasion with a motto of Wellington and Wairarapa, connected by an iron chain, displayed upon their verandah. Some of our townspeople had gone in for decoration with evergreens, and altogether the town was dressed quite in holiday attire. At about eleven o’clock in the morning men oi all ages were to be seen gather, ing together, with the gay sashes of the Odd Fellows, Good Templars, Rechabites, and Ancient Order of Foresters’ over their shoulders. Occasionally some dignitary of the orders, with apron or lappets, would pass along. The utter incongruity presented by a gay green, blue, or scarlet silk sash, with jewels and silver or gold lace ornaments, when worn over a suit of tweed of mixed colors, does not seem to strike the eye of a British subject. If Court dresses were still worn, the suitability of this style of adornment to the dress would be at once appparent. With a handsome uniform of modern fashion the effect is generally good. The procession when formed proved to be of a most imposing length, and as it Wound along Willis-street to the lively marches played by the band, with banners flying and flags waving, the determination of all to help to make the holiday an enjoyable one became more and more apparent. The Fire Brigades turned out in full force; a pair of greys in the leading vehicle of the Central Brigade were generally admired; both for condition, style, and action they would be difficult to match in Wellington; their glossy coats, carefully plaited manes bedecked with ribbons, and neat and thoroughly workmanlike turn-out reflect great credit on their masters. 1 A pair of horses in another engine were somewhat inclined to jib, and caused a little stir until convinced of their error. After this procession a grand marshalling of school children was the next part of the programme, and when the troops of happy but dusty faces passed many a joke was made to the effect that the time for the immigration policy to cease had evidently come. Doubts were expressed whether the parents would ever find their own youngsters again, and a great majority of the crowd were sceptical whether Wellington, even with Griffiths’ biscuit factory at its back, would be able to provide enough buns for the host of hungry youngsters. Shortly after the children the guard of honor for. the Governor arrived, under the command of Major Stack. The Artillery band and the Cadets' drum and fife band accompanied the detachment, and the military element helped greatly to add to the gay appearance of the crowd. The Governor’s arrival was announced by the Artillery on the hill wih the usual Royal salute and the band striking up the National Anthem. The Mayor and City Councillors met him at the gate, and conducted him to the grand stand, where Mr. Graham, town clerk, read, the following address : , ' May it please your Excellency,—ln the name and on behalf of the citizens of Wellington, I beg to express the pleasure that we feel in being permitted to ask your Excellency to join with us In the congratulations due upon the opening of railway communication between the city of Wellington and tho extensive and fertile plains of the interior of this island—an event cslcnlated to promote the best interests of both town and country which deserves recognition such ns wa have endeavored to give it on tho present occasion by tho assembling of all classes of tho community, both old and young,, in whose behalf I hare the honor, Ac ,to subscribe myself, , J. Dransheld, Mayor.

His Excellency, in replying,. said that he thanked them ior the address which had been presented to him. He assured them that it gave him very great satisfaction to join them in any event which would conduce to the prosperity of the town and people of Wellington. Up to the present time the citizens had, as it were, kept out of reach of the fertility of the back country. The event which they had met to commemorate was one of the greatest importance to all, and ho trusted that this now connection of railway would tend to the prosperity of Wellington and to the success of the inhabitants of the Wairarapa district. In conclusion, ho addressed particularly the youth of Wellington, who were so much more favored with educational advantages at the present day than the New Zealanders of European parentage who had preceded them. He trusted that even if they were too young to appreciate the advantages they enjoyed, they would strive to prove that New Zealand boys and girls were not behind the youth of other countries in talent or capacity for learning. Considering tho difficulty that ho had in making himself either heard or understood with such a large concourse of people around him, ho would not detain them any longer. His Excellency's little speech, to which we feel that we have not done justice, was received with loud and continued cheering, such as only youthful lungs could have kept up so loudly or so long. ATHLETIC SPOUTS. We were glad to notice that the crowd kept off tho newly laid turf for cricketing purposes. A good ring was staked off for the running and walking races, which wore well contested throughout. The utmost good feeling existed between tho competitors, and the consequence was that everybody was thoroughly satisfied. The following Is a list of the different events, with the names of the prizetakers Kunning, 200yds.—1st prize, 20s. ; 2nd prize, 10s. ; 3rd prize, ss. Metthers, 1 ; Moran, 2 ; Stack, 8, i 440yds. Eace (for volunteers) —Ist prize, 80s.; 2nd prize, 20s.j 3rd prize, 10s, Lawrence, 1 ; Bredett, 2 ; Hanson, 3.

440yds. (for cadets.)—lst prize, 15s; 2nd prize, 10s.; 3rd prize, 6s. Gamble, 1; Avery, 2; Callaghan, 3. Walking, 2 miles.—lst prize, 605.; 2nd prize, 405.; 3rd prize, 20s. Maograth, 1; Moran and Johnston, tie for second. Sailor’s Hornpipe.—Prize, 20s. Donovan. Running, 880yds.—1st prize, 40s. ; 2nd prize, 205.; 3rl price, 10s. Moran, 1; Johnston, 2; Bennell, 3. 100 Yards Race —lst prize, 205.; 2nd prize, 10s. Woods, 1; Bennett and Wetham, tie for second.

Walking Race, one mile, for Cadets.—lst prize, 205.; 2nd prize, 10s.; 3rd prize, ss. Hale, 1; Ballinger, 2; Tuckwell, 3. Running Race, 440yds., Volunteers in Uniform.—lst prize, 20s._; 2nd prize, 10s.; 3rd prize, ss. Hale, 1; Lister, 2. Friendly Societies’ Race, 220yds.—1st prize, 205.; 2nd prize, 10s.; 3rd prize, ss. Stack, 1; Bsnnett, 2; Hickey, 3. Mr. Coogan acted as starter and judge, and gave general satisfaction. The last event was brought to a close shortly before six o’clock, when the people very quickly dispersed. The utmost good order was maintained, and nothing .at all took place to mar the proceedings, 'Several booths were erected on the ground, and, judging from the of the eatables, the proprietors reaped a good harvest. Fancy goods of the usual kind seen at outdoor gatherings were exposed for sale, and several persona were tempted to invest. On the whole, the celebration on the Basin Reserve may fairly be chonicled as oue of great success. THE ILLUMINATIONS. Bong before dark nearly everybody must have left their homes, as the streets wore literally thronged with people, and the general wonder was where all the persons came from. Down Cuba-street, all along Manners-street, Willis-street, and Lambton-quay, the throng was so thick that it was in difficulty one could get along. Nearly all the shops kept open, and those who had not got extra gas laid on made up for it by an unlimited supply of candles and Chinese lamps, the designs in many of the windows being very tasteful. At eight o’clock the Fire Brigades turned out in force, and added to the brilliancy of the streets by a torch-light procession, headed by a brass and drum-aud-fife hand, who played alternately. Unfortunately the night was too windy to show off the gas illumination to advantage. The store of Mr. Kitchen was most brilliantly lit up with an innumerable quantity of candies, made at their establishment. Mr. R, J, Duncan’s place of business was also lit up. The various banks and insurance offices in the city were all illuminated, many of them presenting a very pleasing appearance. The two Fire Brigade stations were most profuse in ' their decorations and illuminations, and a great amount of taste was displayed. The old Provincial Buildings were lit up, likewise the Government Buildings. These in particular presented a very imposing appearance both from the Lambton-quay and the wharf. The hotels all had something extra in the way of light, particularly the Pier Hotel, Commercial Hotel, and Empire Hotel. From the latter several blue lights were burnt, and other combustibles set off. About the vicinity of Mount Victoria several rockets and blue lights were displayed. Amongst the shipping several rockets were sent up, and an occasional cannon fired. THE CITIZENS* BALL.

The ball given by the citizens at the Imperial Opera House on the evening was a great success. The arrangements in regard to the reservation of the stage for dancing purposes were the same as those made for the Members’ Ball a short time previously. It is , generally allowed that a pleasanter building for a dance cannot be found in Wellington, At the supper his Worship the Mayor made a short speech in honor of the occasion. He remarked upon the active interest the Governor had shown in the day’s proceedings, and concluded by, proposing “His Excellency’s health.” The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm, and with the usual honors. His Excellency, in replying, first thanked the company for the hearty. manner in which they had received the toast. Referring to the occasion upon which they had met together, he compared the accident that had occurred to hinder the official opening with the war news during the American war, which his Excellency, while Governor of Nova Scotia, had been in the habit of receiving. News was often telegraphed up of victories on both sides which upon the following day were announced as premature. Tne opening celebration on Saturday last was somewhat of the same character, but as two trains at least had since traversed the whole length of the line, he could now safely and heartily congratulate the people of Wellington . on the successful completion of the work. This section of the line was the only one that presented very serious physical difficulties between Wellington., and Napier, and he hoped in a few years his hearers would be congratulated upon the establishment of through communication by rail with Auckland. The railway to Peatherston was of the utmost importance to the agricultural interest in the district. In his estimation it was difficult to over-estimate the importance of the agricultural class, who were the very bone and sinew of the land. A short time previously he had been called upon' to assist at the celebration of a similar opening in the Middle Island. The material progress in the colony, as illustrated by these examples, was no doubt moat remarkable. The colony could not be said to bo more than 40 years old, and he could fairly say that in no other part of the world had equal progress been made by any other new colony in so short a time. He confidently predicted a great future for this city, and before he sat down he said he would propose a toast which he was sure would be well received by all present. It gave him much pleasure to wish “Progress and prosperity to Wellington,” and to call upon the company present to -join him in the toast. The toast was drunk with due honors, and hia Worship the Mayor returned thanks on behalf of the city in a short and appropriate speech. Dancing Was kept up with much spirit until 3 a.m., when the company dispersed. The arrangements made for the qomforb and convenience of the guests left nothing to b© dosired. The music and the supper were excellent, and were both thoroughly appreciated. OPENING OP THE RAILWAY. /The second attempt at opening the line, to Feathoratou took place on Wednesday, October 16bh, and was attended with complete success. In Monday’s issue I gave a full account of the ceremony as far" as Kaltoke, and it is therefore unnecessary for mo to go over the same ground again; suffice it to say that the train left the Wellington station, at one minute past nine a.m., and contained about 150 excursionists, including hia Excellency the Governor and suite,-several ladies, members of Parliament, City Councillors, and a number of the Volunteer Artillery, under the command of Captain Moorhouae and Lieutenant Pox. Peatheraton was reached shortly before one o’clock, the Incline being the principal feature of the journey. ' “A large crowd was assembled at the railway station to give a cordial welcome to hia Excellency and the excursionists, and loud cheers rent the air on the, stoppage of the train. His Excellency was* met by the members of. the Reception Committee, beaded by Mr, H. S. Wardell, R.M. Some delay took place in the ceremonies to allow of the Volunteer Artillery to transport the guns from the railway truck, and to place them in position in an adjoining paddock. When these preparations were complete, his Excellency was conducted to the large open spaco surrounding the marquee, in, which the luncheon was to bo held. Stepping forward, Mr. Wardell read the following addiess : To his Excellency the Most Honorable Marquis of Normanby, Governor of Now Zealand, —On behalf of the people of Walrarapa, the deception Committee welcome you, to this district, and embrace with pleasure the opportunity of expressing the feeling of loyalty to her Majesty by which they are animated, and of respect for her representative, in the person of your Excellency. The event which affords us this opportunity is one of great importance to us, and one upon whlcfx the Government and the colony may bo congratulated. It commemorates the completion of a work which has been regarded as the greatest engineering difficulty in railway construction in this island, and an event which, by affording increased facilities of communication with the capital, will assist in developing the resources of this district and In promoting the social comfort of its inhabitants. We thank your Excellency foe your presence among us on this auspicious occasion, and greet ) on with a most hearty welcome.--Herbert Wardell, Chairman.

His Excellency replied as follows :—Gentlemen, —I thank you for the cordial welcome which you have accorded to me, and I receive with pleasure the expressions of loyalty which you express towards her Majesty, and long may the happy connection between this colony and tho mother country exist and. flourish. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) It affords me great pleasure to be here on this occasion. It is an event which I trust will be a cause of future benefit both to this district and to tho capital, and I heartily congratulate you upon the completion of tho work., I trust that the time may not be far distant when this line may be still further extended, and that railway communication will extend from one end of this Island to the other, ns it now nearly docs in the Southern Island. ... (Hear, hoar, .and cheers.) To a district which affords the

means of agricultural pursuits, easy communication ia one of the moat important of all things, and I hope that before long the farmer will cultivate the land, and that this island will produce wheat in the same manner in which they have succeeded in producing it in the Southern Island. (Hear, hear.) Depend upon It, tho backbone of every country, is the agricultural interest. (Hear, hear.) I congratulate you sincerely upon the completion of this work, and X have now great pleasure in declaring the railway open. (Loud cheers.) At the sound of the trumpet, a salute was fired by the Artillery immediately after his Excellency's speech, A movement was at once made in the direction of the place in which the luncheon was to take place, but owing to some hitch in the arrangements his Excellency and suite had to remain outside for a considerable time. At last the signal was given that all was ready, and in a very short time the guests were seated. There were about 150 present. The chair was occupied by Mr. Booth, chairman of the West Wairarapa County Council, who was supported on his right by his Excellency the Governor and Mr. O. Pharazyn, and on his left by the Hon. Mr. Fisher and Mr. Beetham, M.H.R. The vice-chair was occupied by Mr. Warded.

The toasts were proceeded with after luncheon.

The toast of “ The Queen and the Prince of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family” were drunk with great enthusiasm. The Chairman next proposed the toast of “ His Excellency the Governor,” who, he said, was a thorough representative of the agricultural interests of England. (Hear, hear.) The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm. Hia Excellency was loudly cheered on rising to return thanks. He said : Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you very sincerely—you, Mr. Chairman, for the kind manner in which you have proposed my health, and you, gentlemen, for the very cordial manner in which you have received it. I can assure you I was as much disappointed as yourselves at not being able to reach this spot on Saturday last. However, being disappointed then, I thought the best thing I could do was to try and fulfil my promise today. (Hear - , hear, and cheers.) We have been more fortunate to-day, and 1 congratulate you sincerely on the accomplishment of the great work which we are here to-day to commemorate. It is a further development of the great Public Works scheme of 1870, which I believe is destined to prove of inestimable value to the whole colony of New Zealand. (Cheers.) In this island, unfortunately, partly from engineering difficulties and partly from the Native difficulties, the progress has not been so rapid as it has been in the Southern island. It was my good fortune about a month ago to proceed to Dunedin for the purpose of opening the railway between Christchurch and Duuediu, and when one recollects—(l can only do it from what is told me)—what that country was a few years ago, I am sure they will admit that the benefits conferred by railway communication have been great indeed. The first requisite in a new colony is easy means of communication, in order to open it up. (Hear, hear.) I said just now, and I repeat it again, that I believe the agricultural interest is the backbone of all new countries. (Hear, hear.) But it is vain to hope that that interest can flourish and prosper unless you give easy means for the transport to the market of the produce of your labor. (Hear, hear.) There is no means by which that can be more easily accomplished than by the constructions of railways—(Cheers) —and I trust it will not be long before the railways will be extended in this island as they are in the South, (Hear, hear, and cheers.) There is no doubt the construction of these railways has been an expensive matter. It has added largely to the debt of this colony, and it will require care and caution in the future to prevent outrunning the constable. I believe that so far this country has nothing to fear. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) She has been bountifully endowed by Providence. You have in many parts of the country a magnificent soil, and in most, parts of it a fair sort; you have a climate which is salubrious, and well calculated to encourage the growth of all kinds of crops ; and New Zealand contains a degree of mineral wealth which I believe has hardly yet been prospected. With all these advantages, you are bound to prosper if you exert yourselves properly, and use proper care and caution in the management of your affairs. If you do this, you are bound in the end to flourish and to succeed. (Cheers.) I know of no country that I have ever visited—and I have visited many young countries—which in the space of forty years has progressed in the extraordinary manner in which the colony of New Zealand has progressed. You are in your infancy, and yet you have reaped the advantages of mature age. X trust that this advancement and prosperity will long continue. I feel that confidence in the energy which has been shown by the people of New Zealand that I am sure their sons will ever try to emulate the actions of their fathers. (Hear, hear.) With regard to your own district, this opening of the railway will, I believe, be the commencement of a new era to you. It opens out a new and easy means, of communication with Wellington and the sea, and I trust that it will not bo very long in this valley before you emulate your brothers in the South, and commence the growing of grain crops. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) It is a very few years since the whole of New Zealand, or very nearly the whole of New Zealand, had to import all her wheat. Now, we find that in the South, I believe mainly in consequence of the extra facility being given for the transport of produce, that they are not only able to supply their own demands, but have become a very large grain-exporting people.- X believe that there is nothing which will add more to the prosperity of the country than that. The export of grain means a large import either of capital in the shape of money or in the shape of goods; and that, after all, is the main object of those who occupy themselves either in farming, merchandise, or any other industry. I congratulate yon again upon the opening of the railway. I wish this district every possible success, and I trust that it may not be very long before, as your chairman suggested, I may have an opportunity of paying you a longer visit. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Your chairman has said that I am a good representative of the agriculturists of England. lam myself an agriculturist. All I have got is land, and I naturally have a very tender feeling towards land, and the prosperity of land, and I do take a very considerable interest in the agricultural and pastoral pursuits of this country. I understand that you have amalgamated some of your local shows, and that you are going to have one of a more general character this year. I cannot make any positive pledge, but can only say that it I can manage to make matters fit in, it will give me great pleasure to come and see what you can do this year. I thank you again very cordially for the kind manner in which you received my health. (Loud cheers.) The Chairman proposed “The Army an 1 Navy,” coupled with the name of Captain W. S. Moorhouse, W.V.A. The toast was duly honored. Captain Moorhodse, in responding, assured hia Excellency that he could always rely on the volunteers on occasions of this sort. (Cheers and laughter.) The Vice-Chaibman proposed “ The Parliament of New Zealand,” coupled with the names of the Hon. Mr. Fisher, as representing the Ministry, and Mr. Bunny (senior member of the district), ns representing the Parliament. The toast was drunk most enthusiastically.

The Hon. Mr. Fisher, in responding, referred to what the opening of the railway between Christchurch and Lyttelton had done for Canterbury, and expressed a hope that the opening of this line would do the same for the Wairarapa. They would bo able now to reach market with certainty, and as an old farmer, who had to undergo the trials that were inseparable from inability to get the produce to market, he hoped that the difficulties of the Wairarapa settlers had now passed away, and that they would go on and prosper. (Cheers.) Mr. Bunnt, M.H.R., said his great anxiety was to secure this railway over since he had a seat in Parliament. In 1869 he lost the rail* way, and in 1870 ho only carried it by one vote. Therefore the district had not much to thank Parliament for. The fact was that many great boons might be conferred on several parts of the country, but Uon. members would not take the trouble to see what was required. They went into the House, and knew no more about what they were voting for than the man in the moon. (Oh, ob.) Instead of members asking for returns about those persons who had travelled in the Hinemoa, they should go allround the country and see for themselves what was required. (Mr, Wood, M.H.R.: Make them go.) The fact was, that if a member wanted to have anything done, ho went to another member and asked him to assist him, and that other hon. member would turn round and say, “Why should I help you ? you don't assist roe.” He was always laughed at when be mentioned a railway over the Rimu-

taka, but ho was very thankful to he present at the opening that day. His Excellency the Governor proposed . “ Success to the Wairarapa and to the railway which has just been opened." He said— Ladies and gentlemen, in the few remarks I made to . yon just now, I touched upon the agricultural interest of this district, but there is another interest, I understand, which will be largely developed by this easy means of communication, and one the progress of which will equally benefit every portion of the colony. I mean the facility which will be given ior the export of timber from your district. (Hear, hear.) That is also a very important industry in a new country, and certainly in Wellington, where so many houses are built of wood, and the people will be very glad to get some of your timber down to the capital. That industry, I believe in the first instance, will be one of the main supports of the railway, and I can only wish it and the other interests of the Wairarapa district every possible success. In doing so I have great pleasure, at the same time, in wishing success to the railways of New Zealand, and to the railway which is just completed. (Cheers.) The toast was enthusiastically drunk. Mr. R. J. Williams, Mayor of Masterton, proposed “The Mayor and City Council of Wellington.” The toast was duly honored. Councillor Maoinnity, with whose name tho toast was coupled, briefly responded. Mr. Graham (Town Clerk) stated that the Mayor desired him to say that he was unavoidably absent. The toast of “ The Railway Department,” coupled with the name of Mr. Lawson, was next duly honored. Mr. Lawson not being present, there were loud calls for Mr. Conyers, who briefly responded to the toast. The toast of “ The Press ” brought the proceedings to a close. A start for Wellington was made amid loud cheers at 3.10 p.m., and the train arrived in tho city at 7 p.m,, the journey from the Upper Hutt being accomplished in threequarters of an hour. A little boy, whose friends reside in Featherston, was discovered to be taken to Wellington by accident. Mr. Hall took charge of him when the discovery was made, and a telegraphic message was sent to Featherston to allay any fears as to his safety. The following information with respect to the railway from Wellington to Featherston will be interesting to our readers :—The contract for the construction of the Wellington to Lower Hutt section was let to Messrs.' Brogden and Sons in September, 1872, at the sum of £39,589 15s. 3d., and the line was opened on April 14, 1874. The formation and plate-laying of the Upper Hutt section was let to Mr. O. McKirdy in April, 1873, at £30,528 6s. 9d,, and that section was opened on February 1,1876. Two other contracts for formation and plate-laying (known as the “River’s” contracts) were let to Mr. McKirdy in May, 1874, and September 1875, for £19,366. The Mungaroa contract (formation only) was let to Sir. McKirdy in July, 1874, at £62,227 17s. lid. Tho Mungaroa contract (plate-laying only) was let to Mr. J. Robinson in May, 1877, at £2584195. 10d., and the line was opened to Kaitoke on January 1, 1878. The Pakuratabi contract (formation and plate-laying) was let to Mr. F. Oakes, in Nov., 1874, at £58,624 Hs. 2d. The Summit contract (formation,' platelaying, and tunnel) was let to Collie, Scott, and Co. in March, 1874, at £16,175 17s. Bd. The Incline contract (formation and platelaying) was let to Mr. C. McKirdy in November, 1876, at £9746. The Featherston contract (formation and plate-laying) was let to Mr. J. Sutherland in February, 1878, at £3OOO. The cost of the line from Wellington to Featherston (including rails, rolling-stock, &0., as per Minister for Public Works' Statement of 27th August, 1878, page 5) is £538,093. £BOOO of this sum is part paid by the General Government on account of Wellington reclamation for the extension of the line into the town. Stations, buildings, and minor contracts not included in the above statement (except those of the Messrs. Brogden) will be found in the Public Works Statements.

There are 12 locomotives on the line, 18 carriages, and 88 wagons. I feel that I cannot bring my report of the opening of this line to a close without acknowledging the courtesy and attention I received from Mr. Lawson, Mr. A. W. Werry, and other gentlemen connected with the department.