THE GORGE LINE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2910, 10 March 1891, Page 2

THE GORGE LINE.

THE OPENING CEREMONY,

(IIY TKLKGIIAPH —OWN CORRKSI'ON'DKN'T). Palmkkston Noktu, Last Night. The opening of the (Jorge line was celebrated to-day. About 3">o excursionists came from Wellington, 100 from Wanganui, and 150 from Napier. Those from Wellington and Wanganui joined the Palinerston contingent, and at noon about 1000 persons left for Wnodville. The run through the Gortre was greatly admired, and on arrival at Wondville the Hons. Seddon aud Keeves, and Messrs McKerrow and Hautiey, Railway (Jommissioners, along with Messrs Bryce. Smith, Hogcr, McDonald, Wilson, Newman, and Duthie. M.H.R.s. were met by tha Mayor and Councillors, and •ntertnined at luucheon. Mr Seddoi) responding to a toast, congratulated the district on the opening of the line, which brought them into touch with Wellington and tha greater part of : New Zealand, but he said the KketahunaWoodville line ought to be completed. Ke paid high tribute to the originator of the Wellington-Mauawatu Railway Company, to whose enterprise was due the fact that the East and West coasts of the North Island were connected by railway. He said the Gorge line had taken over four years to complete at a cost of £11)0,000, and he took the opportunity to dispel the idea that the line was dangerous. Messrs Hogg, Smith and McKerrow also spoke. The latter trusted that the Rail l way Commissioner? would prove before the expiration of their agreement that the wisdom of Parliament in placing the control of the railways in their ljandß had been vindicated. The train returned here at 3.30 o'clock, and the visitors left for liou'e shortly afterwards. The estimated weight of the train which went through the gorge to-day was 200 tons.