THE WAIUKU RAILWAY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 171, 17 February 1914, Page 2

THE WAIUKU RAILWAY.

Turning the First Sod

Ceremonial Arrangements.

The executive of the Waiuku Railway League have an annnur.eement in to-day's issue regarding the ceremony of turning the first eod of the railway. Ihe spot selected for the ceremony is in Mr C. Hosking's paddock adjoining the Waiuku-Drury road and about a mile fr.m Waiuku township. The Public Works Department are assisting in every way possible to make the day an historic one and everything points j to a record gathering. With their accustomed energy the ladies of Waiuku, Mauku and GlenbrQik have taken up the idea of u presentation to Mrs Massey, and already a substantial sum has been collided. A meeting of delegates from the three branches was held in the Glenbrook hall on Monday to decide what form the presentation should take. Mrs W. West was votrd to the chair. The amounts collected amounted to over £2O. and it was decided that Mesdames Rossiter, Runcimnn and Barr.aby should go to Auckland on Tue3day mornng and purchase an epergnc ai:d silver ealvers, to bear the inscription:— "Presented to Mrs W. F. Massey, wife of the Prime Minister, by the ladies of Waiuku, Mauku and the surrounding districts, upon the occasion of the turning of the first sod of the Waiuku railway, 19th February, 1914." Mrs C. T. Barriball, with the help of the elder lady residents of the district, is to be asKed to make the presentation. It was also decided that all the picnic refreshments should be grouped and that the committee and ladies distribute them rcund to the geceral public. On Thursday evening the Parish hall, Waiuku, is to be taken in which the ladies of Waiuku are to tender] a social evening to Mrs Massey and other lady puests. For the general expenses of the day a considerable sum has also been collected, donations rolling in from all quarters in a particularly liberal manner.

Ar.angements are made for the children, and no fewer than 10 tins of sweets are ordered. It is confident ly expected that all schools in the district will be present in full strength.

Flans and bunting will be displayed at different parts of the district where the Prime Minister will pass, and arrangements are being made to meet guests at Fukekohe with a supply of vehicles. The N.S.S. Co. are running a special trip, leaving Onehuoga at 10 a.m., arriving at the Handspit, Waiuku, about Ip.m., and returning from Waiuku et 5 p.m. A tupply of brakes will also meet the steamer on arrival for the convenience of passengers.