THE WAIUKU RAILWAY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 299, 15 December 1917, Page 6

THE WAIUKU RAILWAY.

FIRST SECTION OPENED. ; PAERATATO PATUMAHOE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) [ PUKEKOHE, this day. Theformal opening of the first section of the Waiuku branch railway was performed this morning by the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey). A special train was run from Pukekohe. to Paerata, and thence over the new section to Patumahoc. About 100 visitors travelled by the train, and a large gathering of residents met the party at Patumahoc where Mr. Massey performed the opening ceremony by driving the engine forward himself And breaking a tape. Speeches of welcome were made by Messrs. J. Henry, president of the Mauku branch of the Waiuku Railway League; 11. M. Crispe, secretary of the j branch, A. M. Barriball, president of the [League; W. C. Motion, chairman of tho Franklin County Council, aud R. W. John, president of the Mauku branch of the Farmers' Union. Speeches in reply were made by Mr. Massey, Hon. W. Fraser, Minister of Public Works, and Messrs. F. Mander, M.P., and A. E. Glover, M.P. Both the Prime Minister and Mr Fraser*expressed their great satisfaction on the opening of the first part of the new line, and stated that but. for war conditions the w'nolo of the branch would have been complete and carrying traffic by this time. Mr. Fraser further promised that every expedition would be shown in com- ■ plcting the line. J Tho Ministers were then entertained at luncheon by the Waiuku Railway I League, and in the afternoon went on to Waiuku. I The new section was taken over from the Public Works Department on Saturday last, and a goods service will be run

every Saturday till further notice, but passengers will not be carried. The section is 5J miles long.