THE GORGE RAILWAY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3756, 10 March 1891, Page 2

THE GORGE RAILWAY.

Opening Celebration-

[By Telegraph] (United Press Association.; WooDvuiE, Monday. The train arrived at 1.20 p.m., with about 1000 on board. Mr Seddon joined the train at Palmerston. The .Reception Committee met the Ministers and Commissioners, who were driven tc the C}ub Hptel. The Napier train, with J 50 excursionists, was passed at Ashiirst pn its way to Palmerston. Jlixcursionisfcs speak very highly of the Gorge scenery. At ,m CTBton brief speeches were made by Messrs Beeves", McKerrow, and Wilson (representative 6i - tie district). The two first named referred

to North Palmerston, and expressed the opinion that the opening of the line would not have the effect of dividing its trade. Mr Wilson said connecting the two coasts was of vast importance, as it would open up immense tracts of valuable country. At luncheon, Mr Seddon, in a biief speech, congratulated the district on tne opening of the line, which brought them into touch with Wellington, the great port of New Zealand. But the steel girdle would not be complete until the EketahunaWoodville branch was completed. He said the cost of the Gorge line was £ 190,000, and it had taken from 1886 to now to complete it. He dispelled the idea that the line was dangerous. Messrs Smith, Hogg, and McKerrow also spoke.