OPENING OF THE RAILWAY LINE TO MAURICEVILLE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2321, 15 June 1886, Page 2

OPENING OF THE RAILWAY LINE TO MAURICEVILLE.

Yesterday was a red-letter day for the settlers of the Forty Mile Bush and for the first time in the history of the Wairarapa has such an assembly met together in the virgin bush to mark the progress of commerce, and enterprise exhibited by the entrance of the Iron Horse with its living froiglit—representatives of all parts of the. district-rfroiii Masterton to the Empire City. Tile train from Wellington, which was a Ion?. one,; had to l)e supplemented by two at Masterton, and even thoriall tlieatariS-" iiig room was taken up, ahd.tjje -platformV . densely, packed. The train was a heavy one, and a doubt of the strength of the bridges over which it had to pass was felt by some, although expressed in an undergone. But the train travelled along over bridges and culverts in perfect safety, arid the timid ones Booh gained assurance. In half-art<hour a*d fiyp mjnutes from, starting they arrived at the, ,new terminus. The scenery .along. %i road was new to. iuany, and: was "much; admired, After passing .the Waipoua:riye'r the train entered, a grayel cutting of some length, and on.Merging, therefrom, the scene that burst upon."the: view was most eiichadting,. On the'east! side■;thi) :Bangitumau. hills covered-withVdense. bush, and iii partß:where. cleared vordani: with Eriglislvgraasea.. tin the .Bide : ;tlie; cultivated plains reaching, tp.thelow undulating';pastorai hills,-backed by lijgher and.inore> : broken Vbush; country, ■a I nd-:.:.capped ..by "snow-clad reaching; >b;.y^e^skiesx.jyaß.:: : V' : 'aght pll : ;■ Jifprth/ tjre;.'journey., The' liiie passesi -through"■; the';; fertjie plains of .tho.Opkil studded..here and there with well-to-do] farmers homesteads. The firs>. atop'pace; takes place at a siding

opposite the residenco of Mr John Cameron. Leaving there tho train passes over the Ruamahunga Bridge, skirts tho Timalniiiga liill at a lower level than the roadway and reaches the Upper Opaki, a few years since nothing but a dense fern and scrub waste, nowhighly culticatedand well fenced. Thon comesDreyorton, a little village, consisting of a new school a church, a good sized store and Post Office of Mr Osborne, a hotel and a few cottages. A stoppage was made at the "platformstation, which is afewohainsaway ■from the town. Here in lieu of a flag jjome wit—to notify that the job was completed, his money all spent, and that lie was about to start off on the wallabyhad hung up at the end of a lonj,' p6le an old pair of moleskin trousers with the ■pockets turned inside out, and-a billy, Leaving Dreycrtmvn we were fairly into :the Forty Mile Bush, going at the rate ;pf about 15 miles an hour, and passing through varied scenery. The bush had ;been cleared on both sides of the line' for some distance, but it could bo seen stretching for miles over towards the East. The beautiful ■ferns that used to border the banks of the winding stream in this ;the railway was started, are things of the past; the fire and axe have completely changed tho face of Nature After era'ssing Stony Creek, the limestone lull cutting was entered. Above was the road bridge leading into the Mauriceville settlement. After leaving the lime-stono hill, we were speedily at the Mauriceville terminus, and as the crowded train drew hear, cheer after cheer from the throats yf the lusty settlors who had assembled'to tho number of 300 or 400, rent the air. Tlio reception committee, consisting of Messrs Gunderson, Jagorhorn, Jessen, ■ Forsberg, Aulin, and Osborne, were in attendance to receive the visitors. The Hon. W. H. Reynolds represented the Government. He was accompanied by Mr G. Beetham, M.fl.R. Mr A. W. Brown, Mayor of Wellington, Mr M Oaselborg. Mayor of Mastertou, Mr W. Booth, Chairman of the. Wairarapa East County Council, Mr C, Fharazyn, Mr McCardle, Mr A, W. Renalland others interested particularly in the District were also present by invitation, as well as representatives of the press. Whilst the Committee were attending upon the visitors we take the opportunity of looking round at the Station buildings, Tho station is on the east side of the line and consists of a long building 75 feet by 14 feet, and already it is found to bo inadquatc for the district and orders have been given for the addition of two or three rooms. The goods shed is on the opposite side. It is 32 feet by 42 feet in size, and is of the usual pattern. Thero is also a station master's house and two plate layers cottages, an engine and coal shed, and tank stand. The contractors for tiie buildings, Messrs Wrigley and Rose, are to be congratulated upon having the work completed in time for the oponing. They have some extra work to do yet m connection with the station, and have also.stables to erect foi Cobb & Co''s inai ooaelies. The plumber's work in connec-1 Lion with the buildings has been carried out'by Mr D. Pickering, and the painting by Mr G. P. Mansell, both of this town.

The Dinnek.

A cold collation tob prepared, and tables laid in the goods shed to seat one hundred persona, and the seats wero all occupied. The catering was in the able hands of Mr McGlashan, and he engaged a strong staff of experienced waiters, who allowed no one to want for anything. The tables fairly groaned with the weight of the good things laid | upon them. Joints of all meats in season, fowls, ducks, turkeys, hams, tongues, and toothsome delicacies were spread before the hungry assembly, and the havoc made showed how the guests appreciated the good things provided. Bottle beer, wine, and non-alcoholic liquids were provided ad lib, and to add to the pleasure of the feast the Brass Band, under the leadership of Mr W. Pearson, discoursed sweot music The music was some consolation to those outside who had not the "opensesame" to the feast, The refreshment rooms were doing a brisk trade, and MrT. Thompson of the Empire Hotel, who had fitteed up a.temporary bar at the goods shed had his capabilities taxed to the utmost. Mr Gunder Gunderson was the Chairman at the feast, and at the table with him sat the Hon. Mr Reynolds, Mr Geo. Eeetham, Mr A. Brown, and Mr M. Oaselberg, with other distinguished guests. The tables having been cleared mid a liberal supply of choice wines distributed, tho Chairman proposed the first toast, The Queen, which having been responded to was followed by that of''The Governor.",

The Chairman, in proposing the latter toast, said he had received a letter from Ins Excellency the Governor, stating that he (the Governor) had been asked by Mr Beetham on their behalf to be present at the opening ceremony, and regretting that as he had hardly recovered from the effects of a bad cold, his inability to do ao. He trusted they would aceept his apology. • Mr G. Beetham said he had a toast to propose in which they would all join in heartily, the toast was to '■ Her Majesty's Ministers," coupled with tho name of tho Hon. Mr Roynolds. He explained how it was that only one member of the Ministry could be spared to attend the ceremony of opening the Railway extension for traffic to Mauriceville. He had great pleasure in proposing the toast entrusted to him. Although hs differed with them in many things it was not because hs did not believe they wanted to do their best but because their way was not J&way or that of those he acted with. BJ p ,vasglad to tell them that the Minister of Public Works had informed him that tenders would be called for the extension of the line to Eketahuna within a week, (prolonged cheers). The late Premier, the Hon. Major Atkinson had fully intended to have been at the present meeting In fact he had come to the train with the full intention of going on to Mauriceville to greet the settlers. He however found that he had an important meeting of: Government Insurance policy holders to attend to at 8 o'clock that night, and {although he would have liked to come, it : was his plain public duty to be present at the other meeting, and the train would not be back in time to allow him to do so. There was not time for much talking as the train would return at four o'clock. Sir Maurice O'Rourke one of the Ministry in power when the Mauriceville settlement was formed, and after whom it was christened, owing to ah affection of' the hand was unable to be at the present meeting, which he much regretted. He concluded by proposing the toast of the Ministry, coupled with the name of their worthy rejjrepentative Mrßeynolds. (Cheers.) The toast was drunk with three times ■three.

i ; ;Th.aHon Mr Reynolds in responding, 1 laid ho'.regretted some'of the other members of.fche Ministry were unable to come with Hm. He was but new in the Ministry'then, although lie had served on a former Ministry. He expected Mr Buckley would have accompanied him, but ill-health had prevented it, as they had heard. It was only at half-past ten last night that he was told by the Premier that he would have to come whether he .was abje'or not (laughter), and as he always obeyed he came up, and had enjoyed coming (oncers).' He was very well pleased after having once made the start. In reference to what Mr Beetham had 'said as to the

extension of the railway to Eketah'iitia, He had not had time to consult Hon Mr Richardson, but if the Minister, for Public Works had promised Mr Beetham that tenders would be called ho had not the least doubt but what he would keep his.promise (hear, hear, and cheers), It was 33 years since he was in the district of Wairarapa, and he had a lively recollection of getting there, He remembered on that occasion he nearly lost his life coming over the Rimutaka in the coach, and never expected to see the railway where it was that day. Of course ho knew when the Mauriceville district was settled that the railway was to extend there, but he never thought it would cross the Rimutaka. He regretted very much he was not able to visit the interior of the settlement. Had he received information in suloient time he would have started on Saturday and haveseen the district for himself (hear, hear), and compare it with what he had known it years ago when he came with Sir Maurice O'Rourke. He was not given to long speeches. He thought the shorter they were the more they were appreciated. In thanking them for the manner in which they had drunk the toast, he could only say that he did not think any of the Ministry were bad, but if any one. was bettor than another it was the present Ministry. (Mr Beetham: "No!") Notwithstanding Mr Beetham'a "No!" (laughter), there was nothing like saying a good word for oneself (cheers). He again thanked them, and resumed his seat.

Mr Casclborg rose to propose the toast of the House of' Representatives. In doing so lie said he hardly knew why 'ho had been called upon to propose such a toast, There probably would have been some reason 111 asking him to propose a toast in connection with trade or commerce, He knew something about treacle and sugar, and similar articles. (Laughter). There must bo some mistake.

The Chairman intiinatod that he was asked to propose the toast as a. .settler of; Mauriceville. . " ■ ■' ■•• .' '

Mr Caselberg said he understood his position In that case. He wouldliketohave gone pretty fully into the good qualities and efforts of the settlers of the district of Mauriceville, but to do so would occupy some seven or eight hours, of their time, and as they were to leave by train in an hour ho would consequently have to cut it short, and give just an outline But he first must speak to the toast, Parliament, taken as a whole, was not so good as they ought to expect. (Laughter). In fact, they had not got value for their money. (Laughter.) But let them first consider. If the Parliament was not up to the standard it was their own fault. They had a franchise which was very liberal, and they had the power to elect or reject as they like. If, with these advantages, they listen to men who had no stake,'no interest in the place, simply to speak on a public platform, "gift of the gab" he might so put it, they were themselves to blame, The Parliament wanted Improving. Perhaps a few missionaries Bent amongst them might reform them. (Hear I hear!) The present company, of was excepted. They could speak very well, of course, present company always excepted. (Laughter.),At the husting they promised what they could not perform when returned, and it was the people's own fault for believing them. Collectively he must give them credit for good intentions. Speaking of the meeting of that day he would ask who first took the new departure in dealing with the lands, and inaugurating the Scandinavian settlement. That Ministry deserved credit (Hear! hear!) Heretofore what had been the manner of dealing with the lauds of the country, They had been grabbed up by the individual to the detriment of the people (Hear! hear I) How could they blame individual men for securing the best of the land. It was human nature and they had the money to do it with, But Parliament should hold the balance and not allow one set to take the pick of the land and leave the rest out in the cold. That Ministry who had made the new departure, How did they make the experiment 1 Did they pick out good level, agricultural land? Ones of No ! no I) No, the land was inaccessible broken country, hardly fit for goats. They made the experiment on the very worst piece of ground in New Zealand (hear! hear!) Although speaking to the toast of the Parliament, he was not very much in favor of them (laughter) and hoped the gentlemen present belonging to that body would excuse it. They had simply practised on the. Scandivavians as an experiment. No ' other nationality would have done what they have (Hear! hear.) He remembered when the Government sent up settlers ill provided with means of making a home, and possessed of nothing. It was thought these settlers would have cleared the bush, and if they did not die of starvation have gone away and left the land for cattle runs, In the ordinary course of settlement this would probably have been so. But with the Scandinavians—No! (Hear! hear.) lie was extromely sorry Ministers could not see with their own eyes the improvements effected. He remembered years ago it was such dense bush that a packhorse could not be led through. All the improvements that had beonmadowas due to the indomitable energy and industry of the Scandinavians (Hear! hear,) He drew his romarks to a close by reference to his toast, MrHirst M.H.R, in replying tothe toast said the previous speaker had expressed a hope that he had not hurt the fellings of the Parliamentary men present. He could assure him that he had not done so. It was like pouring water on a duck's back to abuse the Parliament. They were not thin skinned they were thick skinned. (Hear hear), He could heartily congratulate the settlers of Mauriceville upon their position that day. They had got the Railway to their doors and their lands woulc increase in value accordingly. (Hear hear). If the Government had spent the money in giving them three or four more roads it would have boen better for them than Railways. (Loud cheers). Unless they had good roads railways would not pay. (Contiuuous cheers). The time being short he briefly thanked them and resumed his seat. Mr Reynolds had much pleasure in proposing a toast which he knew they would all respond to with all their hearts -"The Wairarapa Bush Settlements." There was not the least dqubt but in time those settlements would turn out to be a great sinecure. The Mayor had referred specially to that settlement, and said great thanks were due to the Government that initiated it. It was in the time the Hon Mr Waterhouse was Premier, Sir William Fox Under-Secretary, and himself in the Ministry, He, however, knew-, nothing of the class or quality of land where those settlers were located.' The selection was left tothe Land Department of Wellington, and was.highly recommended as a suitable site. The Government ■■ of the day did their best to make it a'success, He was in'the Waiarapa district about 32 years;'ago, and it was a complete wilderness, only one bit of a house was to be .seen. Now what did they Numbers of true, busy, and: energetic settlers (cheers). He desired, them every success (Hear! Hear!) What benefitted one was a benefit to all. They could not ignore the fact that the success of the adjoining settlements would prpye beneficial to fhem and the whole country, He hoped to be able to congratulate them at a future time on ut further extension of

the-railway (Hear!-Hour!) When he sat down before ho neglected an important.part of his duty. What lie had come there to porform, namely, to declare the line open for traffic mi that portion of the line extending from : Mastetton to Mauriceville. He formally declared the line duly open for traffic, Ho hoped to see the line carried on to a payable terroinus, .He concluded by asking thorn to to drink the tat proposed. Mr Beetham, as an early settler, had much picture in responding to the tonat. Mr Oaselberg had alluded to the bush set tlements as being of nu value, He held 'a forty acre section and was always under the impression it was of Borne value, and consequently was rather put out by the remarkß. The settlers were to be congratulated on having flourishing households, bright children, and a railway close to their doors. All coulli see a glorious future bofoie thein. Those in Mauricevilla would be only too glad to congratulate their friends with tho same prospects. (Hear, hear.) He knew there was quite enough of land existing; second to none for .those who chose to settle there. Referring to the remarks of Mr.Caselberg, he would not like to. see a stereotyped parliament. To quote the poet—

Men, my brothers, men the workers, ever reaping something new. When he thought of that ho would littla think men like that would be contented, Mr Caselberg: I don't know it. (Laughter). Mr Beetham continued his remarks, He-hoped the time was not far distant when they could meet Mr Von Reden nni his other Eketahuua friends presont, and congratulate them on the opening of the line for traffic to that township. (Hear Hear!) He hoped the Ministry would not think railways alone was what they needed, but would help them with roads. Railways, roads, industries, and settlement could well make the Wairarapa what it should be—a grand and glorious district. (Cheers,) Mr Jagerhorn, speaking on behalf of the settlors of Mauricoville, said they were all surprised to see such a largo assemblage, and such distinguished persons as the Hon. Mr Royndlds, their member Mr Beetham, and the Mayors of Wellington and Masterton. They fully recognised the honor, conferred on them by the visit, and the hearty good wishes expressed for the welfare of the settlement as a whole. These visitors had come a long distance to do honor to the hard-working settlers who for years have been laboring to convert the dense bush into comfortable homes for their families. They had never expected such a large attendance, and they could only express their surprise and pleasure, and appreciate the honor. He trusted any failure of speech on his part would be excused by the knowledge that settlers like himself were not gifted with a ready flow of language, and that he was not' speaking in his mother tongue. Hewaßone of a band of settlers inured to hard work. Thirteen years ago they had come to that district to make a home. They had no no roads not even for a pack horse, and they had to carry on their backs through bush tracks the food they required for themselves and their families. For five lons years they had been without roads, and he felt Bure they could quite understand how they would appreciate the railway at their own doors, by which they could reach Masterton in 35 minutes, and Wellington in a few hours. He hoped that the Railway would be the means of connecting the bush settlements with' Wellington in a closer bond. He concluded by drinking success to the visitors, and would call upon the Mayor of Wellington to reply. In response Mr A. W, Browne said Mr Boetham had excepted him as being a settler. He considered himself two settlers, first on his own account as the owner of a hundred acres in the district then for the Corporate body .of Wellington which owned sixteen hundred. Mr A, W. Renall: More Bhaine for you (cheers and laughter). Mr Browne Baid the body corporate was a good settler. Their land had been improved and, money spont on it, thus increasing its value to the district as well as themselves. He expressed tho feelings with which he had listened to the words uttered by Mr Jagerhorn, a rugged, decent, honest bush settler. He was Bure they had all appreciated the visit very much indeed. In Jagerhorn they had the typical settler who earned his living by the sweat of his brow. He was one of the men of whom they ought to be quite proud (cheers), Mauriceville and Wellington were separated by the distance of a journey of less than five hours, and the benefit was mutual (hear, hear). | Mr H, Aulin proposed the health of the engineers and. contractors of the line, Messrs Downes & rlendersen, whicli was drank with pleasure. Mr W. W. McCardle proposed the toast of "The Press." It afforded him great pleasure so to do. He looked upon the Press as an instructor. He rejoiced to nee the train arrive at Mauriceville. He, with others, had watched the progress of the place for the last twelve years. They had begun without a track and had now a railway. The time would certainly eome whon the Bush Settlements would become the salvation of the country. Ho looked upon the bush distriefcas the safety valvo. ThcGovernments of the country'had expended money and incurred debt, but if they only opened the bush lands they would make a way of escape out-of their difficulties in the future, and establish many happy homes. In Masterton there were a number of people said it would injure their town to extend the railway to Mauriceville. (No No!) It would do good.. (Hear hear!) He trusted they would all try to get the railway extended, If the gorge line was allowed to get through first the Government would lose a great deal of traffic that private companies would obtain. (Hear | Hear). ' Mr A. W. Hogg responded on behalf of the Press. There was no time for a speech. Although he was not a strenuous advocate for the extension of the railway, it need not prevent him from congratulating them on the splendid accommodation they had got. He trusted the railway would not, if they had cash, takothem always past Masterton. He had always been of opinion that roads should always proceed railways. Those who remained behind in New Zealand would have to face the expenditure now going on-over They ought to feel much obliged to the Government if they did not come it too strong in the meantime. Members themselves were beginning to see that railway making must come to an end.

The signal on the drum announced the time of departure was at hand. The health of the Chairman concluded the very pleasant proceedings, and the visitors hastened on board the train. _ There were quite 70Q people present, including those in the train, many of them being; of the gentler sex. Loud and prolonged cheers, at parting, and the train, more heavily laden thamqn leaving Masterton, reached that station on'its return journey without any.mishap, after a very enjoyable outing'for the passengers. ',