OPUNAKE RAILWAY

Grey River Argus, 29 May 1914, Page 5

OPUNAKE RAILWAY

TURNING FIRST SOD. (Per- United Pffesj* Association.) HAWERA, May 28.; I To-day was a red letter day for Opunake, when the ceremony oir turn ing- the first sod of the railway, which is to connect -with the main line -at Terpti, was -performed by Hon. \V. Fraser in glorious weather,- and in the presence of a large attendance •of settlers from all parts of the province. J The Minister who turned the sod amidst enthusiam, apologised for the unavoidable absence ,of the Premier. - He said that the line was one of the most important intKe Dominion, and he recognised that it was of enormous importance t& the settlers of jhe district. _ He would do what he could to have the line finished within reasonable time, but the .progress made would depend upon the" amount voted by Par liament. The Minister was presented with a beautiful silver inkstand in, .commemoration of the occasion. ' Subsequently Mr Fraser was tender cd a complimentary luncheon in v f the Toft n Hall, where there was , a "repre se^tatjye gathering present Congratulatory speechees were madVby Mr C. Dudley (Chairman; of tUp Opunake Railway League), , the Taranaki of Parliament Vnd many prominent settlers and i; e P re " sentatives' of local bodies. . 'V , The health of the Minister was • enthusiast ically honoured, v Afterwards the Minister mo*ore'(s. to Eltham where he is to be tb[e gjuest of the citizens there to-night."' «■ v '