OPENING OF THE MANAWATU GORGE LINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2173, 10 March 1891, Page 3

OPENING OF THE MANAWATU GORGE LINE.

Palmerston North, March 9. The opening of the Gorge line, which connects the East and West Coast by rail, was celebrated to-day. The weather is 'rsry warm. The day ia not observed as a general holiday, but there are large numbers of visitors in to« n, A special train from Welliog'on brought 350ezcursioniets, including the Minister of Education, Mr McKerrow and Mr Hannay, Railway Commissioners, and Messrs Hogg, McDonald, Dnlbie,andNewmaD,M.H,R.’«. The train was met at the station by the mayor, Mr Snelson, and councillors, who escorted Mr Reeves and the Commissioners ta a large marquee in the square, where they were entertained at luncheon. The Wanganui train brought about 150 excursionists, and the whole went to Woodville at noon, Tbe train arrived at Woodville at 1.20 p,m., with about 1090 persons ou board. Mr Beddon joined the train at Palmerston. A reception committee met the Ministers and Commissioners, who were driven to the Club Hotel. Tbe Napier train with 160 excursionists was passed at Ashuret on its way to Palmerston. The excursionists ►peak very highly of the Gorge Scenery. At Palmerston brief speeches were made by Mr Reeves, Mr McKerrow and Mr Wilson (representative of the district.) The two first named referred to the growth of Palmerston and expressed the opinion that the opening of (be line would not have toe »fleet of diverting its trade. Mr Wilsec said the connecting of tbe two coasts was of vast importance, as it would open immense tracks of valuable country.