PAEROA-WAIHI RAILWAY

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 63, 15 March 1900, Page 7

PAEROA-WAIHI RAILWAY

TURNING THE FIEST SOD.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.!

PAEROA, March 3

Turning the first sod of the PaeroaWaihi railway took place successfully yesterday afternoon at Karangahake. The ceremony was made the occasion of a very large gathering, attended by people from various parts of Ohinemuri district. The Ministerial party and oilier visitors arrived at Karangahake from Paeroa at two o'clock in the afternoon. Mr H. P. Barry, county chairman and superintendent of the Waihi mine, accompanied the party to Karangahake. Members of the Ohinemuri County Council also accompanied the party. Amongst the visitors was Mr K. R. Ralph, of Huntly, of coal mine fame. On arrival at Karangahake brakes containing the visitors were met by the local brass band, which played them through the township.

Ministers and other guests were entertained at an excellent luncheon, > provided hy Mr W. P. Ryan, of the Waihi Hotel. Mr Ba.rry presided. TURNING THE FIRST SOD. Lunch over, the whole party adjourned to the spot where the afternoon's ceremony was to take place. This was on the south bank of the river, close to the Crown Company's battery, just on the borders of the township. The party crossed the river by a suspension bridge, and found a large platform well decorated with flags, erected for their accommodation. Here were gathered some hundreds of Ohinemuri residents, including most of the population of Karangahake who were able to attend.

The Premier opened proceedings by saying that one of the pleasing- features of the day's proceedings was the presence of so many children, which was evidence that there was abundant population to use the railway. A most remarkable development had taken place here during the last few years. The output of gold had increased in a most gratifying manner. There would be in years to come a great population and an increased output of gold. Anyone who looked at the river must admit that water as motive power was scarce. They should not depend on the elements, but upon their own resources, and, with the Huntly coal fields within a short distance when the railway was completed, it would be far better to get coal brought up here and use water for other purposes. The Premier referred to- the fact that there had been an increase of £308.000 in the valuation of property in this district since 1891, the yearly output of gold had increased by nearly £600,000 since the Seddon Government took office. This showed that, with reasonable encouragement to the mining industry, capital was sure to come into the colony. He did not know any country where mining investment was safer than in New Zealand. His heart had ever been with those living- and working on the goldfiolds. The mining industry beneficially affected all other industries in the 'colony. This railway was a most important one. He was extremely pleased to be there on the occasion of his colleague, the Ministe.r of Railways, turning the first sod.

TELEGRAM FROM MR CADMAIST,

The Premier then read the following telegram from the Hon. A. J. Cadman:—"l regret I cannot be present with you. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is still too weak to stand any knocking about. The extension of the line must prove beneficial to the mining industry, and I

look forward to its extension towards Tauranga later on. Wishing you a pleasant day and a successful gathering.—(Signed) A. J. CADMAN." At this stage the Premier called for cheers for Mr Cadman, which were very heartily given. PROGRESS OF THE WORK. The Premier went on to say the next thing now would be to let contracts for construction of the tunnel. When they saw daylight through the hill before him the i*est would be put in hand. In Mr Yickerman they had a most capable engineer. ' He was sure Mr Vickermnn had laid the line with great care. MR WARD'S SPEECH. The Hon. J. G. Ward said the work would not rest with the turning of the first sod. This ceremony was practically the outcome of what was outlined in the last public works statement. It was estimated this Paeroa-Waihi railway would, when completed, cost £82,000. It would be about twelve and a half miles long, would pass through the districts of ! Waikino and Owharoa. The first : three miles of the line, as far as Ivarangahake, were comparatively easy. A tunnel would have to be ' constructed through the hill at Ivarangahake. It would be about three-quarters of a mile long. From Karangahake the line would keep on the south side of the river all the way to Waikino. Thence it will practically follow the main road to Waihi across the plains. The principal' object of the line was to enable fuel to go to Waihi and other mines. It would give an additional outlet to the Huntly coal mines, would open up a large market for Waikato produce, and would enable miners to have easy access to Paeroa, for them to have homes there if they liked. Mr Ward expressed a hope that this would be the precursor of a railway linking them with the great arterial railways of the colony.

Mr Ward then descended from tha platform to the ground, where a wheelbarrow and a shovel were in readiness. He filled the wheelbarrow with earth, taking off his coat in true navvy style. He wheeled the barrow along some distance, and tipped out the load amidst great applause. As he did so he declared the first sod of the line turned. Mr Ward was loudly cheered when he again took his. seat.

The Hon. J. Carroll was the next speaker. He said he had special in* terest in this railway, because h» hoped in future it would connect witk the Gisborne railway, uc wished the work speedy progress, and hoped to be able to ride over in the train at tha opening of the line.

The Premier made complimentary references to the local authorities and the County Chairman, who were cheered.

Mr Jackson Palmer also thanked the local authorities for their energetic assistance. He referred to the many advantages of the railway, and expressed a hope that there would be workmen's trains in the future, especially to give miners an opportunity of visiting- To Arolia now and then.

Loud cheers for the Premier, Mrs Sedclon, and other notable visitors concluded a mosfc successful gather-

The Ministers and party then drove to Waihi, viewing- with great interest the proposed route of the railway.

Ministers were introduced to many of the Waihi people at Lawless' Hotel, then they drove back to Paeroa, arriving here at ten o'clock, but speech making was not over even yet, for Paeroa residents had provided a banquet for Ministers and party in Bastings' hotel.

Speeches were made by the Premier, the Hon. Ward, Hon. Carroll and others, and proceedings were kept up till after midnig-ht.