OPENING OF THE RAILWAY TO HAMILTON.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 851, 13 December 1877, Page 2

OPENING OF THE RAILWAY TO HAMILTON.

As we intimated to oar readers m a late issue, the construction of the line between Newcastle and Hamilton has progressed so rapidly m the bands of the contractors, Messrs Topham and Anyus, that it will be reidy for handing 1 over to the Government next week. No delay has occurred at Wellington, and the Minister for Pubic Works has appointed Tuesdny next, the 18 h inafc., as the day for the examination of the works, and for taking the Ane over should they be found to be satisfac'oriy omplet d. The line will.be regularly opened for traffic on the 20th, bub formally opened on the 19fcli instant, Wednesday next, when as becomes so rising an important a centre of population as Hamilton, the event will be oele brated m a becoming manner. The form that it will take will be that of a public luncheon, which will be held m Mv Vialous workshops, where a largrnnmber of ladies and gentlemen can be accommodated. That there wil a be a full gathering on this occasion, there is little doubt. The event is one m which the settlers of the district take a warm interest and the number of visitors from Auckland is likely to be very great. On the occasion of the opening of the extension to Newcastle, between seven hundred and eight hundred visitors attended from Auckland, and at the celebration of next week, a still larger number may be looked for. Of special invitations alone, a great number have been issued, including the Mftyor of Auckland and the Chairmen of the neighbouring Counties and Highway Boards, besides many other officials. The exclusion train, which leaves Auckland on Wednesday morning, will reach Hamilton at 12.43. An engine, with a few carriages, the regular up train, will leave for Auckland at 1 35, and the excursion 'rain, with the visitors, leave Hamilton for Auckland at 4 p.m., after the lunch is over. Return tickets wi'l be issued at- single fares on Hie 19 th inst. to Ngaruawahia, and will be available for two days, and the passage along the new line from Ngaruawahia to Hamilton and back will be free of charge altogether On the next day, the 20th, regular j raffle will be commenced.