EAST COAST RAILWAY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 315, 28 March 1928, Page 15

EAST COAST RAILWAY

Continued from page 1,

The official party, which arri/ed shortly after 11, was welcomed by Mr. C. E. MacMillan, M.P.,, Mr. Rewiti Ngaitai, on behalf of the native race, and Mr. R. King, chairman of the Tauranga County Council. There were also present on the platform Messrs. B. Dive, Mayor of Tauranga, A. W. Isles, deputy-Mayor, R. Rutter, president of the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, T. W. Rhodes, A. M. Samuels, H. Holland (Christchurch), Lee Martin, F. E. Hockley, members of Parliament, B. C. Robbins, secretary of the Celebration Committee, D. Grant, chairman of tluj Tauranga Harbour Board, T. Lockhead, chairman of Tauranga ElectricPower Board, and the Mayors and chairmen of surrounding boroughs and town boards; also representatives of other local bodies. A typical Maori welcome was then extended, a large band of stalwart warriors from the Ngaiterangi tribe, led by Tatau Ngatai, the chief of the tribe, giving a haka. Songs also were given by the wahines. “To say that I am pleased to be with you to-day is only mildly expressing it,” said Mr. Coates. The East Coast, he continued was one of the oldest and most historic places im New Zealand. The early settlers 4MV came here had no easy task and today was an occasion to remember the

work done by those men. In 1904 it was decided to let the contract for the East Coast railway. That was the result of the battling of the far-sighted public men of the district, including the late Hon. Sir Wiliam Herries, who was a staunch advocate. The line was now completed, about a year behind the time, and he considered it a credit to the men who built it, and all the Government asked was to give them a fair share of the trade that . was going. Referring to his party, Mr. Coates said that he believed he and his colleagues were going to direct the affairs of the country for many years to come, despite the words of his Jeremiah friends in the House. The trade balance was showing steady mprovement, indicating that the country’s affairs were decidedly on the upgrade. Mr. Coates said that he greatly appreciated the welcome extended to him. His wish was that the district would prosper. It was a great district, and it would prosper, of that he had no doubt. “From what I know of the Bay of Plenty I feel sure that now the line is through the district will make great progress,” said the Hon. K. S. Williams, Minister of Public Works, He greatly appreciated the welcome given them, and hoped that the enthusiasm shown by the Europeans and Maoris that day would be reflected in the use they would make of the line. A ribbon was then held across the Ine by Miss Eileen Dive, daughter of the Mayor of Tauranga, and Miss Rangihoaia Ngatohu, representing the Maoris. It was cut by Mrs. C. MacMillan, and the line declared open. The enthusiasm and energy which had been put into the celebrations by Mr. B. C. Robbins, secretary, was referred to by the chairman, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed by acclamation. Prior to the arrival of the official train, a number of rowing events were held on the harbour and were followed with keen interest. After the opening ceremony school children marched to the doman for lunch, where a sports programme was held in the afternoon. Other features of the day’s celebrations was a grand procession through the town and a sports meeting on the Strand. A torehlght procession and swimming carnival will be held this evening. the town being brilliantly illuminated occasion.