EAST COAST RAILWAY

Grey River Argus, 29 March 1928, Page 5

EAST COAST RAILWAY

TAURANGA EN FETE. FOR THE OPENING. TAURANGA, March 28. Tauranga’s gala day. cloudless throughout, ami marking the opening of the railway .to Wadi’, thus connecting the Bay of Plenty district with th- main railway system of the North 1. hurl. will live long in memory. It was the largest gathering in the district ‘s history, thousands of people from many parts of .the Bay of Plenty ami hundreds of visitors from iurthei a field visiting the town, which was decorated with greenery, bunting, and electric lighting. Many treasured flags of native tribes were prominently dispaved, and Maoris were present in full foice, taking a part in the general rejoicing. Trains f - > Waihi and from Ta non ;n;, th-' cn- t- rn railhead, brought a thousand visitors, including the Prime Min : stcr. A ri’-bon was cut ly Mrs MacMillan, wife of the meml>”r for the district, and the Prime Miniver was accorded a warm welcome, both by pakeha> and Maoris. The Parliai 'ltarv partv included Messrs Coates, McLeod, Williams. Hockly, Samuel, Rhodes, 1.. Martin, ami 11 Holland f Christchurch North). An official luncheon was at'ended by representative men from all parts ot the district, at which several toasts were hon:.:i!cd. iru'vding thoauj of the Prime Minister. Minis! r of Public Works, Parliament, the F.a I Coast Railway, and The Visitors. A procession, head<d by the -•• n’dned Tauranga-1 epuke Bands, marched through .the principal -treets to the Domain, where a programme of school spirits was gone Through, and prizes were presented by Mr Coates, who met with an ovation. Various acquatiu sports were also held and tin- Maoris entertained visitors throughout ;h ( day. To-night a torch light procession was held, and the ni- h \a- given over to general hilarity w th Maori entertainments on the Strand. The day passed without a mishap of any kind, and the arrangements reflect the greatest credit on Mr B. <’. Robbins (Secretary), and the Executive. Committee and various subcommittees.