THE MAIN THUNK.

Evening Star, Issue 12101, 6 November 1908, Page 4

THE MAIN THUNK.

OFFICIAL opening. [Peb United Pkess Association.] TAUMARUNUI, November 6. After a tedious night journey the special Ministerial train reached Mangonuateao at 8.30 this morning. The party arrived in a drizzle of rain. The associated public bodies of Wellington and Auckland were fully represented. The Hon. W. Hall-Jones briefly introduced the Prime Minister in a speech of conspicuous modesty, reviewing the past history of the railway. Mr Peacock (chairman of the Auckland Railway League) congratulated the Government on the completion of the line and deprecated the pretence of parochial prejudice between Auckland and Wellington. He ■ congratulated Mr Hall-Jones on his appointment as High Commissioner. Mr David Nathan, in a very effective speech, reviewed the past history of the bn*. Since the first spade on the M-vnv wata Railway was driven in 1886 he hid taken keen interest in railway matters, so that to-day’s function had a special sigrificance for him. Sir Joseph Ward, beset by a body of photographers, drove the last spike. *n a very telling speech he reviewed the history of the railway, and emphasised the necessity of enlarged railway facilities in connection with.the completion of settlement. The big crowd manifested great enthusiasm throughout-the jjEonandfnjn^