First Train in N.Z.
Eighty-three years ago, on December 1, 1863, the first railway line in New Zealand was opened—a line four miles long running from Christchurch to Fe’rrymead, on the Heathcote, where there was a wharf for small vessels. The day was taken as a holiday and celebrated with the hearty jollification typical of functions organised by the early colonists. The Superintendent of the Province, Mr Samuel Bealey, and Mr W. S. Moorhouse, whose energy and ability had driven the railway project through to a successful conclusion, were prominent officials in the opening festivities which began with the first train trip in the colony. The four-mile journey was completed in ten minutes. Later 3500 people took advantage of the free rides given in the train.
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Bibliographic details
Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 67, 30 December 1946, Page 2
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126First Train in N.Z. Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 67, 30 December 1946, Page 2
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