OPENING OF THE RAILWAY

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1079, 29 August 1883, Page 2

OPENING OF THE RAILWAY

Committee. Messrs Taplin, R Horner, T II ay wood, W Cowern, R L Barton, W Wilson (Whenuaknra), G H Norman, j H Clayton, W Williams, R Currie, Eyton, Lund berg, Miller, R C Tennent, G D Hamerton, II Smart, H S Peacock', G T Polio, H T G Turner, W Taylor, R A Adams, G F Sherwood, J Gibson, W H Clarke, F II Donoghue, A A Gower, W Brown j J W Bright, Hon Sec and Treas. 1 ' j Tiiis long looked for event took place yesterday under auspicious circumstances. The weather was blight and warm, and in every way suitable , for out - door enjoyment. The shops were closed, . and: although a good many people had left by the early train for Wanganui to spend theif holiday there,'there were plenty of wclldieased and happy-looking people about, and they gave , the streets an air of unusual stir and bustle. The first event of the day was the .Volunteer parade, which took place at ten o’clock. Ser-geant-major Henry was in attendance; and gave the men. an hour’s stiff drill previous to marching them down to. the Railway station. The band were also on parade in strong force, and their part in the proceedings’of the morn;« ing was well appreciated alike by young and old. The train fronfi Wanganui, which was to bring the guests invited to the luncheon, was announced to arrive at 11.25, and half an hour before that time small groups of people might have been seen passing down Bedford-stroet anxious to be in time to secure a position to sec and hear what was going to take place, or else to while away the time by a turn along the wharf and an inspection of the steamers Napier and Waverley, which, gaily decked, with hunting - as they wore; formed a conspicuous [tart of the surroundings. Before going further a brief review of the construction of the lino from Waverley to Mountain, may not ho out of place. The first contract was that taken by Messrs Proctor and Downes, of Dunedin. It extended from the Patca Station yard to about ten chains past the railway bridge, which structure was included in the contract. It occupied about 18 months, and, at its conclusion two small contracts for earthwork towards Hnkatcre wore taken by Mr Patterson. Beyond that a considerable portion of the linn has been formed by the “unemployed,” but Messrs McLoughlin and Skelly finished the work. Messrs Oairns B others had a couple of small contracts, and Messrs Murphy and Kerisk undertook the formation to Ball Road. From Ball Road Messrs Kendall and Bush completed a large culling and filling through Mr Burke’s properly, and then the contract was luk"ii over by Mr Udgers, one of

the’sureties, who carried it out at great loss to himself. Another small contract on Mr Burke’s properly was taken by Mr Murphy, and from thence to Manutahi the formation w.s completed by Messrs Dickson Brothers, who also made the station yard at that place. The platelaying and ballasting have been let.as a separate contract trern the railway bridge to Manutabi, and have been completed by Mr A Nathan in a workmanlike manner. On the other side of Patea the work Ims been in the hands of Messrs Wilkie Brothers. Their contract was taken up sonn* eighteen months ago, and was, to hj ive been completed in nine months ; but, from causes with which we are familiar, it litis boon greatly delayed. Messrs Mace and Basset did the limber work under a sub-contract, and very satisfactorily too. The Patea station was built by Mr Johnston, of Wanganui; the engine-sited by Messrs Alexander and Macfarlane, of the same town, and the goods shod by Mr 0. Bulls of Rangitikei. All these, as well as other works, were supervised by Mr J. G. Richards, mid they bear evidence lltaChe lias, attended .well to bis duties. Messrs Jay'and Haynes, of. Palmerston North, built the stations, 1 &c, up to Mann tab! 'inclusive. With this brief digressi at we turn once more to the events of the day. At the station gate an arch had been eivctcd and this had been tastefully decorated with evergreens and ferns by Mi-ssrs Heron, Williams, and one or two ollicr.s. On Lite side facing the station were tho words, “ Welcome to Patea,” and with the flags fluttering in the breeze, the arch presented a pretty sight. The station bad also been decorated with evergreens and looked very well, being the subject of many flattering remarks during the day. At a quarler past eleven the train arrived, much to the chagrin of the committee, for at : that moment the gallant defenders of our hearts and buim-s were some whore in the neighbotirhood of-the Masonic Hotel, on,their way to the station and a rather awkward interval ensued pending their arrival. Such astonishing punctuality as was shown by the train arriving too soon, took the breath away from Patea people, who, had fu'ly. made up their minds that the iron horse [would he a judicious ten minutes ‘late, so that they might have a chance to marshal their: forces. However, this little contretempts was got over, by the Volunteers filing into■ the station, followed by the school’ children,' who ’took up a position at the far end of the platform. The Band then took their place, and everything being ready, His Worship Hie Mayor (Mr li A.'Adams) stepped forward, and in a few words declared the line open lor traffic.. He said that he had been .deputed by Hie Government to perform that duty, which it was a pleasure to do, and be hoped before long (bey would bo found celebrating the opening of the line to llawenu (Cheers) . ’ Cheers for the Queen were called for, and a verse of the ■National;, Anthem, was sung, the Volunteers presenting arms. Hearty cheers ‘wore then given for the railway, and the Volunteers having re-formed, marched off, beaded by their band playing a lively strain. The school children and the assemblage followed slowly up Bedford street ; and arrived at the top ; the juveniles made a rush for Mr Tapl.in’s, conscious that something good was awaiting them. Nor were they disappointed ; for (hat gentleman 'had provided liberal entertainment ; and although, bis guests, including the band, who after being .dismissed made (here way there, numbered 0ver..200, there was enough and to spare. We may boro remark that the .Mayor provided the children’s tickets for the trip ,to Manntahi, a privilege which .was also .largely taken advantage of. The ■visitors having reached the main street, a turn up and down was taken, as it was not quite 12 o’clock, the hour ... fixed upon for the luncheon. Expressions of '.approval could ho hoard from visitors on all sides as to the great impiovcment that had been made in the streets and architecture of the town. A few minutes after noon a general move was made towards Oxford street by those who were going to take part in i THE LUNCHEON.

This was laid in St. James’,Hallj 'Which presented a very pretty sight. There was a table running down the centre of the hall, and one across at the stage end and another down the side, giving seating room for about 80 people altogether. The attendance was somewhat more numerous than had been anticipated by the Committee, and con-j----sequcntly some of the visitors had to wait until those who were seated had satisfied the cravings of the inner man.’ The inconvenience was however taken in good part as it should be on occasions such as this, and as there was an abundance of edibles, we arc not aware that much disappointment was caused by the overflow of visitors. The chair was taken by His Worship the Mayor (Mr R. A. Adams), who was supported on his right by the Mayor of Hawera (Mr G. Y. Bate), and on his left by.the Mayor of Wanganui (Mr G. Carson). The vice chair was occupied by Mr Tcnncnt, Chairman of the Reception Committee, while Captain Taplin did the honours at the side table. We should say that about ninety gentlemen were present, and as the committee only anticipated an attendance of fifty, any little shortcomings in the way of sitting accommodation may be readily overlooked and forgiven because no means were available for definitely ascertaining the number that would attend, Amongst the visitors, in addition to.the Mayors of iiawera and Wanganui, wo noticed Councillors from both towns and a considerable number of private citizens ; all of whom seemed to bo at homo with friends boro. Mr Stewart, the District Engineer, was present ; also Mr Rawson ; but Mr Rotherham was unavoidably absent, duty having called him away with the train to Manntahi. The contractors for the lin p j Messrs Nathan and Wilkie Brothers, were present by invitation of the Committee, the former especially having earned their thanks tor the cheerful assistance given by bringing the material for the decorations down from the bash. Considering the cheapness of the tickets, and the fact that the affair was not regarded in the light of a banquet, but more strictly as a lunch, where visitors could get a bile before proceeding on to Manntahi, the. spread was highly creditable alike to the Coin-

mitlee and to the caterer, Mr G Backley. For a moderate sum that gentleman provided a very substantial repast, and although the number of visitors exceeded expectations, there was sufficient, and to spare, for all. A staff of waiters was in attendance, and did their best to supply the calls upon their attention, and display to the best advantage their ability to be in half a dozen places at once. After ample justice had been done to the good things provided, the Chairman rose and proposed the health of Her Majesty the Queen. The toast was enthusiastically received, the company singing a verse of the National Anthem.

The next toast was proposed by the Vice-Chairman. It was, “ Success In the Railway.” Mo thought.that it was a toast requiring a very few words, as they would only he too glad to join in drinking it. No doubt in some inland towns the railway bad caused a deterio ration in property, but as far as tiepresent line Was concerned, it would materially advance the general prospnity of the West Coast, and especially was that the case with Patea, whore there was a port. One point was that the railways were the property of the colony, and not of a private individual, and in this matter New , Zealand had set an example which might well he followed by any country in the world, because the country would reap the benefit. Government did not wish to make large dividends, and whatever profit was made went into the pockets of the people in the shape of reduced freights, Success to the railway .therefore meant not the enrichment of any private corporation, but a direct benefit to the people themselves. He would couple the (oast with the name of their worthy Mayor, Mr Adams, who had been deputed hy ■ the Government To declare the Hub open.

The (oast was drunk with musical honours.

Mr Adams in reply, thanked them for the cordial manner in which they had received the toast. One tiling tended to mar the enjoyment of dire day, and that was that they ought to have had this demonstration ten, years ago. This district Was understood to he one of the finest initlie Colony, yet they were worse off in the matter of railways than any.other part.

Mr Sherwood'said that he had been reqm s - d to propose the toast of “ The Visitors,” ami in'doing so he regretted that the arrangements had not boon more, complete. He hoped the visitois would overlook-any.discrepancy or shortcomings. They had much pleasure in meeting the visitors, hut. the meeting ought to have taken place ton years ago, on a rdlway carried through north of Auckland. Wc had been existing here for. the past seven years without communication outside and consequently had sunk into, a semi barbaric slate, and were unable to entertain our visitors-when they came! When we see gentlemen from du; metropolis (laughter) we found.they were all polish and politeness, but we were without roads, and he wou'd therefore ask them to excuse our ruggedm-ss of manner. We had not got a large town to show. London had its, largo monuments, Boston its great organ, bnt Patoa had its great,future (applause). They could get the measurements of the monuments in London, or the organ in Boston, but who could measure the future of Patea? (applause). ' He thought that with capital and energy it would yet bo seen that Patea would bo a great place. He regretted that they had seen the river at , its worst ; when the tide was in it was much improved. He believed that the works being carried out at Wanganui would be successful, and would much enhance the value of (hat .town., He would rather see a number of prosperous towns ot moderate size, such as there woie ini this Colony, than large sized towns like those in the old country, where there was every description of poverty. Coming back to this town, hje 1 observed that they had walked up and down the street, arid he hoped they admired the buildings, especially the banks. We had found them very useful lately. He had met people coming out, and, in spite of the weather,, not one had complained of the cold ! (laughter.) He did ,-not know whether it was peculiar to Patea, but each of these banks possessed-a peripatetic inspector who insisted on a half-yearly balance , twice a week, and paid visits of inspection eight days out seven every week (laughter.) It did not affect him (laughter), because bis (Mr Sherwood’s) financial arrangements were made. Ho regretted the opening of the railway, because' the inspectors’ would now be here night anti day (laughter.) He. did not; wish to depreciate the powers of the banks, and he did not think ho could. They were, regulated to a large extent by the banks, and that accounted for the high state of morality and the economic principles of the community. But after all we could not do without the banks, which were useful institutions. Ho had to congratulate the Mayors of Wanganui and Hawora,; ami was pleased !o see them ..both present. They represented flourishing: towns, and while there were gentlemen such as lie saw before him to conduct 'municipal affairs, they must go on successfully. He alluded to the meatfreezing industry, and urged that every assistance should be given by municipalities, as it was just as much for the benefit of the town as the country. He begged to couple the toast with the names of the Mayo.is of Wanganui and Hawera. (Applause). The toast was enthusiastically drunk with musical honours.

Mr Carson (Mayor of Wanganui; thanked them for the cordial way they had received the toast. He also thanked them for their kind invitation, and desired to convoy Wanganui’s congratulations upon the opening of the line. He could not help agreeing with tlie previous speakers that the lino had h"('ii long delayed, 'I hero was }’et, a little gap which as a matter of colonial

interest should he completed ar quickly as possible, an 1 be Ml sum that Govcrnnif'nt would sec ii was their duty to h.v* it a'Umded (Hear, hear.) He understood, however, (hat it would

take a long time to complete the iin- 1 . Hi* was glad to hear that Wanganui was nourishing because if it was so it was since ho had left it. that mo-iiiug. (Laughter.) There was nothing singular in the remark of tin; banks making it hot for thorn. Certainly their hoiks seemed to be well “tenanted ” but in Wanganui they had a “ King ” in their camp and he made it pnrticnlaily hot down there (laughter). [i was no time to cjiiter upon comparisons of towns just now, hut he wished Paten every success. He had no doubt that the railway would be better for the country, but he was not quite so sure ofi’s idled on (he towns. He thought it would he necessary lor them to look carefully after their trade, as the effect,of railways was to draw everything- towards the large centres. He thanked them again tor their cordial reception and hoped to meet them at a greater demonstration—the completion of the. through lino. (Applause.) Mr Bate (Mayor of Hawera), wou’d thank them for their invitations in the same way as his friend, ttie Mayor of Wanganui had done. There were some people who always made out a set of grievance that Hawera and Patea were antagonistic. He had never thought that. He believed that at the present time Hawera was quite willing to cooperate in any movement, and he was quite sure that Hawera regarded the railway as a means of looking after her own interest. If Patea would give cheaper freights than Waitara they would have Hawera trade, which-was not inconsiderable, and which was growing every day. And he thought that if Patea looked * after its-df, there was nothing to prevent them having it. He understood that it would still be nearly two years before the line was open to Hawera, and he also was of opinion that it should have been through long ago. They 'wanted the line as a convenience to their ports, and as it was not a branch line, its completion was a matter of colonial importance. He assured them that there was no . jealousy on the part oi Hawera towards Patea. All they wished was to deal with the cheapest port, and they would do it. (Hear). He hoped the lino would bring, about a better fcelin’g between settlers and townspeople. Some of the settlers looked upon townspeople as interlopers, and thought that they (the settlers) were the only people who should be in the district. He concluded, with a few remarks upon meat freezing, which he said would manifestly improve farms, and improve the prosperity of the country. (Applause), Mr Bright, who rose to propose the jast toast, said that it was one that gave him great pleasure, and one that needed no special advocacy to recommend it._ It was the “ Agricultural, Pastoral and

Commercial Interests of the Wost Coast.” ..Nothing strikes'the’first comer so much as the peculiar adaptability of the coast for stock raising ; but, although capabilities in that direction were great, they had been badly in want of a market, and in the great question of the day, moat -freezing, they saw how their want 1 would be: supplied. Freezing had only" be|n introduced into New Zealand for two years, and yet 84,000 frozen sheep had been sent away, and there were 24,000 now in. the colony awaiting shipment. Nothing succeeds like success, and he would read them the account sales of 24 f sheep sent Home by Mr Menlovo, of .Windsor., .Park, near Qamarn. The sheep sold in London at 6|-d per lb; the 1 Colonial charges were and ,the' London charges -|d, giving a net result of 21s 5d per sheep. The skin and fat sold for 4s Bd, giving 26s Id as the net return per sheep. He would like to ask what Colonial market could equal that. , Connected with Freezing .came ; Dairying, but he would: not speak of that now. He : next alluded to steam communication with 5 England which: he considered- was a matter for congratulation ns it was necessary to develop the meat freezing; industry,.and-also to draw, to our shores that flow of voluntary immigration which .was so essential for the future prosperity of the colony; Speaking of the agricultural interest he said that, he had heard it stated that this was not an: agricultural district. He would quote a, brief extract from the statistics of 1882 : There .it was shown that in 1 wheat.the average yield per acre was Taranaki, 1 26 bushels (nearly); Otago, 25.41; Canterbury* 21.18. Oats, Otago, 31;; Taranaki, 30; Canterbury, 25. Barley,: Otago, 28.29 ; Taranaki, 24,32 ; Canterbury, 19.29. He thought that was sufficient to show that this was a good agricultural district. Ho-spoke strongly , in,favour of a system of mixed farming as being the most profitable. The opening of the railway would bring; an increase of trade as that always followed, and with the establishment of meat freezing, the prosperity of the district would be assured. It was only a matter of surprise to him that settlers were not found tumbling over each other, going into Mr Eyton’s office to take up shares in the local company. He begged to couple the toast with the: name of Mr R. Horner. ( Applause). Mr Horner briefly replied. He had very little to say, as the proposer of the toast had taken the wind o'lit ’of his sails. He hoped that the line would cement the town and country people together, far it was by combination that things were carried to a successful issue. Farmers had; found out that to get their cattle fat they 1 must grow turnips and hay and straw, and that meant employment for men. He had noticed in connection with one of tlie freezing- companies in Wellington an enquiry as to where they were to get their beef and mutton from, from July to November, and he thought that one of the deepest things agriculturalists would have to look to, so that they may have (heir meat at the right time, when it is

at the. dourest price. To grow cattle'

it was necessary to grow food, and by exporting to the Home country they would be benefactors • o the starring millions there who never saw a piece of meat upon their table oflener than once a week. (Applause); After a few other remarks, he concluded by expressing the hope that when the line was complete, ihot would hear no more of antagonism bet weed Hawera and Patea. (Hear,

hear). This brought the luncheon to a conclusion, and the company separated. Must of those who had attended made their way down Bedford street with the intention of taking a

TJRIP TO MA.NUTAHI. Lang before the hour announced for the departure of the excursion train to Manntabi the Kailway Station was thronged with an eager and expectant crowd of pleasure seekers, who whiled away the time they had to wait by inspcciing the station buildings or idling about (lie platform, A large number of children, seemingly under no supervision whatever, wore playing about the lines, and it is a matter of surprise that none were injured while the shunting was going on. It would bo well in future when sue!) a number of children are taken on an excursion to have them kept under control wheu waiting for a train. When at last the Fairlie engine, drawing the train, got fairly under way, the ten carriages or so were found to be crowded to t!ie°itmosf, standing room being scarcely available. One youth, who indiscreetly entered the train while in motion, was threatened with arrest, but he promptly decamped at the Kakaramea Station, where more school children were taken aboard. Arrived at their destination, the excursionists for the most part wandered into the bush, aud it would be small wonder it none were left behind seeing that the stay was limited to about ten minufes. The : extension opened yesterday will certainly prove a boon to business men, but as far as Manutahi itself is concerned the benefit accruing will be doubtful. The railway 1 will afford a grand means for. the export of the farmers produce, firewood, ole., but this a (vantage is handicapped by the groat distance of the station from the laigei fajnis. The settlors living seaward of Manulahi will reap hardly any benefit fiom the line. But the “ powers that be ” .declared that the lino cotild not come nearer Manutahi, on account of engineering They also asserted that the line have been taken nearer if it could have been done without involving great expense. The interest taken by the settlors was not so great as might; have been expected. but the younger part of the population (many of whom had never seen a train) wore air astir. The station itself is situated abdnt a mile nn l a-halt from Manntabi, and the spot on, which it stands was not so long ago covered with bush. But the tie;s have been removed, and a depression near the station tilled in. It is connected with Manutabi by a good road, partly metalled. On the way back a stop was made .at albthe.stalions alpng the line, viz , Ball. Road, Kakaramea, and Hukatere. The 4 o’clock train To Wanganui -was well filled by those who arrived here from that town in the morning, but bore anraiti it was shown"tliat frains like Inne and Tide wait for no maiia One or two unfortunates, who had protracted their stay; in Patea -too long, found dbat, (hey just reached tbe station in, time to see the last van disappearing round the comer near the.embankmcnt across the fiat. Of those who ■ had been to Manutahi a large number sta3 r ed to see the sailing of (he steamers Napier and Waverloy, which had been tying, alongside . tbe, -Railway Wharf dining the day,, and which it was thought were to leave at five o’clock. ,As the; bunting with which those vessele had been pro.fusety.decorated was being; taken dow-n and evident preparations being made, was given to, these, surmises, shortly found, however, that, the ppppsite side of lhe ,riyer.;Was the farthest point.to which the genial,skippers of both, vessels were bound that night." Several people, however, followed them...thitber, and certainly, for those who love excitement of tiny kind,.did. not make the; journey-,in vain.. For : al)out-half an,hpijr bQth vessels were manoouving about thn wharf-in order do enable the Napier/ to ggt alongside to take some live;abqk,,og. At jast when matters appeared becoming ; hite.r.iriinably mixed, . the, ; desired arrangement was satisfactorily -completed, in a manner known only to sailors. The. pargo, which Sorqe 50 pigs—unusually diealtlni, to judge Trdiri the lusty squeals which they constantly gave vent - to. — proved, to. . r be .as obstreperous as their, kind are. commonly believed, to be. As soon, as the gangway between the steametand.tbo narrow passage connecting withTlie yard was laid down, ' the redoubled yells from the members of tbe porcino species announced that something out of the usual was occurring,. A well known author Inys it that many of those who are unlucky oh the turf, are in the habit of visiting sliow grounds or places where horses are being sold, with the . sole object of maltreating -the i unfortunate .animals in revenge for former.losses, and it would at once -strike .an- outsider that those who were causing"all the uproar were belabouring their mortal foes instead of assisting in shipping pork in ah animated condition. One individual, planted himself:acrosstba passage and as each animal passed beneath him administered such r a kick as iwould cause infinite sorrow to, a member of the society for the prevention of cruelty to animals. Digs with posts arid rails or any other weapon’ that'"cable-to hand, were the order of the day. The excitement was waxing fast and furibus'when two of the pigs managed'do escape from the yard, but after a short Chase were collared—one with more despatch than’.ceremony by a dog which made a griib at the nearest auricular appendagedarid held on like grim death till taken off." While the animal was being conveyed—-by the ears and hind legs—to be unceremoniously.'..flung on board, a small terrier'dog which; made a jump from the wharf towards the steamer, a distance of; about six'feet, succeeded in leaping" about half way, and' was in imminent danger, of .finding a Watery grave when rescued by a sailor. All appeared to be going evenly after this, but not for .long. A pig suddenly sprung over the side of the gangway and fell into trio water with a tremendous splash. As piggic -succeeded in netting jammed between the vessel and tiic wharf-—an effort made to-ensnare him with a bow line having proved futile —all hands available turned to, and .pushed the steamer off so as to give the animal swimming room, and he at once struck a bee line for tlie opposite shore. A boat set out in pursuit, and after an exciting chase succeeded in effecting a capture. The remainder of this lively cargo were safely stowed away without incident of any description beyond the usual'.amount oil

squealing. Amusement in this direction having ceased, and the worthy commanders of the steamers and their crews having disappeared below for refreshment after their arduous duties, the assemblage on the wharf dispersed, with every mark of satisfaction. The festivities of the day were brought to a close by THE BALL, which was held in the Harmonic Hull, and which passed off very successfully. The floor had been carefully prepared, and the hall tastefully decorated with flags. On flic stage a substantial supper was set out, and was done full justice to during the evening. About 50 couples assembled, and dancing was spiritedly kept up till nearly four o’clock. Messrs G. D. Hamcrton and W. Brown performed the Offices of Masters of Ceremonies, and discharged the duties in a highly satisfactory manner. The music was supplied l>y Harp and Piano, and was all that could be desired. The ladies’ dresses were as usual in the best of taste, and the hall presented a brilliant appearance as the dancers glided round the room. We can only add that those who were not present missed a grand treat.