PATUMAHOE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 203, 25 August 1916, Page 4

PATUMAHOE.

PROGRESS OF THE RAILWAY. CELEBRATIONS AT PATUMAHOE. With a view of celebrating the laying of the sleepers and rails on the new Waiuku line in the Patumahoe station yards the platelaying gang engaged on the work were entertained on Tuesday by Mr J. Henry in his capacity as chairman of the Mauku Railway League. In speaking to the men Mr Henry expressed appreciation of their services and of the expedition with which they had laid the line from Paerata to Patumahoe. Mr Henry alse spoke in laudatory terms of the services rendered and interest taken by Mr O'Connell in pushing on the construction since the line started. It was no doubt, said Mr Hemy, due in a great measure to Mr O'Connell's assidious attention ai d energy that the construction was so far advanced. Mr Henry's health was drunk with musical honours. Messrs T. B. Bailey and W. Howard also celebrated the crossing of the main road, and Mr Howard was given the first ride over the just, completed cattle - stops. Mr Dale did the honours when the Helvetia station was reached. The new engine promised by the Minister of Public Works for ballasting operations is now being tuned up in the Newmarket workshops and will commence duty at an early date. The station yard and buildings will be proceeded with at the same time as the ballasting and the Hon. Mr Frazer's promise will apparently be made good so that the line from Patumahoe will be available for goods and passengers under the supervision of the Public Works Department by Christmas.