AMBERLEY—COOK'S STRAITS EXTENSION OF THE NORTHERN RAILWAY.

Press, Volume XXXI, Issue 4264, 29 March 1879, Page 5

AMBERLEY—COOK'S STRAITS EXTENSION OF THE NORTHERN RAILWAY.

Yesterday the first Bod of the extension of the railway for «ix miles seventy chains beyond Amberley, was celebrated at Brown's Bridge. By invitation of the contractor, Mr Peter McGhratb, of Bangiora, a few friends met at high noon at this place, and the formal ceremonies took place. Several of his friends from. Itangiora and Amberley having arrived at the spot, preparations were made for the event. At the appointed hoar Mrs H. McLear, of Amberley, came forward, and in the pretence of those on the spot turned the first sod, by lifting the same into a barrow and wheeling it in the orthodox manner to the end of the plank and "tipping" out of the way of the work, which was done in such a manner as to evoke cheering. She then said— . . . -, ■••... Gentlemen, —I hare to thank you for doing mc the honor of asking mc to turn the first sod of the extension of the Amberley-Cook's Straits railway, whioh forme another important link in the railway communication throughout New Zealand. I wish the contractors every success, and hope the line will be a paying one. I also trust that theio railways will add to the national wealth of our adopted home. [Loud cheers.] Mr McQ-rath, stepping forward, thanked Mrs McLean for the workwoman like way in whioh she had performed the ceremony, and on behalf of himself and his workmen thanked those present for the interest taken in the proceedings. He felt sure they would excuse his powers of making a speech, as he was more of an adept with the shovel. [Oheere.] Ho thanked aU for their attendance, and "hoped he should be prosperous with his contract.. A supply of champagne having been produced, Mr Beeinald Foster, at the request oi those present, nad great pleasure in proposing "The health of Mrs H. McLean," who was very highly respected in Amberley—in fact, Amberley would not be Amberley without theMoLean's, and he hoped that the services rendered by that estimable lady that day would not only be to the benefit of Amberley but of the whole country. . Mr Hugh. McLean, on behalf of Mrs McLean, returned thanks, saving that he looked upon the progress of the oolony as of more interest than the question of the interests of a particular place, but he believed that the interests of Amberley would be benefitted by the extension. Mr J. Lowthian Wilson proposed the health of the contractor, referring to the fact that Mr McGtrath had hitherto maintained a very high reputation for the manner in which he had discharged hie contracts with the various Eoad Boards, and believing that he would not only give every satisfaction, but complete the contract for the extension of this line in lesa time than any other to whom the work could have been entrusted.

Mr McGratb, in reply, thanked his Rangiora friends particularly for their attendance, and aaid he hoped he should be enabled to carry out his contract in good time, and to the satisfaction not only of the Government, bnt to that of those who were present and had wished him success. It wot his intention to do his best to have it completed under the time stipulated, and to perform the whole of the work in a manner which should leave it open to no question in the end, [Cheers.] Mr R. Foster proposed " The Visitors, and in his speeoh referred to the fact that as the extension of the railway had not affected Rangiora, neither would it affect Amberley, but the public works scheme would benefit the whole of the country, Mr W. A. Burt responded, expressing his pleasure at being present on the extension of the line to the north to connect he hoped with Brunnerton, in order that they might receive coal from the West Coast and forward stock in return.

The health of Mr McGrath's workmen was then proposed, and suitably responded to by tho foreman.

Success to Mr Foster was drunk with three times three, and that gentleman made a suitable response. Mr G. Cone proposed " The Press," referring to the advancement of the newspapers of the province, to whioh Mr J. Lowthian Wilson responded by expressing the pleasure he felt at assisting in the taking of another step which would lead to the promotion of tho national progress, and ho trusted the line would not stop short till it reached the Weßt Coast,

" The Canterbury Police Force," to which i Constable Watt was asked to respond, was then proposed. "The Ladies" was the concluding toast, to which Mr Long responded. Mr McGrath then entertained a large party to luncheon at McLean's Crown Hotel, Amberley. In this contract, it may be stated that there is about 700,000 yards of cutting and embankment. The bridge over the Waipara is 1300 ft. in length. The piles are to be of Australian timber, 35ft. in length, 12in. x 12m squared ; the other timber to be New Zealand. It is intended as already stated, that this bridge shall be on the tr_ a principle. Mr McGratb has to erect in his contract a first-class station master's honse at Waipara, and also on the north side erect a grain shed 30ft. x 60ft. He has also to finish tho permanent way and put up a fonrth-class station at Greeney's, about two miles from Amberley. The line has to be fenced on both tides where not already fenced. The amount of his contract is £21,493 Is. The contract for the building of the Waipara bridge has been tub-let to Messrs Hill and Thomas, of Amberley, and Mr George Cons will be overseer of tbe workmen. -■