COMPLETION OF THE LINE TO DUNEDIN.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 743, 27 August 1878, Page 2

COMPLETION OF THE LINE TO DUNEDIN.

(FKOM OUR O>YN COEEESFOJTDENT ) Palmerston, August 27. The ceremony of coupling -the last rail in the railway to Dunedin was performed yesterday afternoon by Mr. W. N, Blair, Engineer-in-Chief for the Middle Island, iisaisted by Miss Macandrew (daughter of the Hon. the Minister for Public Works) and the Mayor of Dunedin. There was great rejoicing over the completion of ft work, the- termination of whiqh has long been anxiously looked forward to. A special train from Palmevstou conveyed to a spot near the Goodwood Station, whercs the ceremony was to be performed, a large number of residents in this townhip, including his Worship the Mayor. At the same time a train from Dunedin with visitors from that place and Waikonaiti arrived, amongst the number being his Worship the Mayor of Runedin. The ceremony of securing in position the last rail having been performed, the engines of the two trains steamed up to each other, and there was great cheering as Messrs. teary and Fagan (the Mayors of Dunedin and Palmerstpn), standing on the engines shook hands with each other. Both gentlemen addressed the assemblage in terms of congratulation upon the completion of so great a work, and in reference to the importance of establishing railway communication between Dunedin and Christohurch. Mr. Paisley, on behalf of the contractors (Messrs. M'Kenzie, Paisley, and Murcott) presented Mr. Blair with a handsomely engrossed memorial in commemoration of hie having placed and fastened the last length of rails and thus connecting the cities of Dunedin and Ohriatchurch by railwa}'. The memorial concluded by thanking Mr. Blair for the valuable assistance and advice he had given in the many difficulties which had arisen during the performance of tlje contract, Three cheers were given for Mr. Blair, who briefly returned thanks for the presentation, and proposed the healths of the contractors, which was acknowledged by Mr. M'Kenzie. The health of Mr. Macandrew was proposed by Mr. Arkle, and duly honored, Cheers were riven for ths Mayors of D.uned.in and Balmerpton, and the whole party came on to this placn by train. An excellent repast, provided by the contractors for the Kartigi section, was partaken of by about 70 persons, the chair being filled by Mr. Murcott, and the Mayor of Palmerston acting as croupier. The usual flow of eloquence took place, everyone appearing to lx: thoroughly enthusiastic over the completion of so a boon as communication with Dunedin by railway. The catering of Mr. Duncan, of the Empire Hotel, gave the utmost satisfaction.