OPENING THE MAIN TRUNK

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 270, 7 November 1908, Page 2

OPENING THE MAIN TRUNK

Bj Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. The banquet to-night in connection

»aii the opening of the Muia Trunk i railway was a brilliant function 'and I was attended by a.large gathering, including Sir J. (.!, Ward, the lions. W. Halt-Jones and Fowlds. Owing to a break-down on the journey, the dinner did not commence till 8.30 and speechmaking was not begun till after 10. Tiie Aluyor congratulated the .Minister for Railways on the fact that a project that had been talked of for a quarter of a century had at hist been completed, The opening of the railway marked an important epoch in the history of the North Island, and was a land-mark in| national progress. Sir Joseph Ward, in replying, commented on the fact that tile two great cities in .the North Island were meeting to celebrate the connection by railway, the greatest public work undertaken ill the history of New Zealand. From Marton to Te Awamutu

the line had cost .t2,0.>0,0U0, and the whole line to Auckland could nm nave cost under live millions. Considering the population of this country was still under a million, and considering that the railway vote did not exceed a million a year, and for a long time was not over seven hundred thousand, it I was not to be wondered at Unit tho j Main Trunk line had taken a long time ' to complete, but still for a country like

this with so comparatively snialj a population, the railways made were really wonderful achievements. The progress ami development of Auckland were touched upon. That development must be assisted by further railway votes. The Hon. Hall-Jones also spoke. Th'e Wellington party returned by special train leaving at 11.30.