GISBORNE-KARAKA RAILWAY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 37, 15 February 1900, Page 2

GISBORNE-KARAKA RAILWAY.

"THE FIRST SOD" TURNED. [PEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.] Gisborne, February 14. The first sod of the Gisborne-Kavaka railway was turned this aftsrnoon by the Hon. J. G. Ward. The Hons. W. Hall-Jones and J. Carroll were also presont. The day wis observed as a general holiday. There was a procession of Friendly Societies, Fire Brigade, etc. Representatives wore present from local bodies of the surrounding districts. Mr. Eraser and Mr. J. Stevens, M.H.R.'h, attended, and alas delegates from tho Auukknd.md Napier Chambers of Commerce. There was a large public gathering. Owing to rain setting in, Ministers deferred their speeches till the public meeting to-, night. The first section of the line will be twenty miles, but ic is intended to ultimately connect Gisborne with the railway systom both north and south. Tho Mayor read tho following telegram from the Premier :—" I regret exceedingly not baing able to be present on the occasion of the turning of the first sod of the Gisbome-Karaka Railway. I had been looking forward with pleasure to redeeming my promise that I would do so, but a higher duty demands that I should be at Christchurch during the despatch of the Third Contingent, in which, I am proud to know, you have worthy representatives. The words of the Commander-in-Chief, Lord Roberts, that our fighting men will be a welcome addition to the force in South Africa should strike home to every well-wisher of the Empire. I feel sure you will have an interesting and satisfactory ceremony. You may rest assured that once the sod is turned your worthy member and my colleague, the Hon. Mr. Carroll, will not allow the fillister for Works to let the grag(f" grow over it. I wish every success to all assembled, and hope to be present when the first section of the line is opened.—R. J. Seddon."