FIRST TRAIN TO HAWERA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 136, 3 August 1881, Page 2

FIRST TRAIN TO HAWERA.

On Monday morning, at about a quarter to twelve o'clock, the first passenger train from New Plymouth came into Hawera. The morning, though cold, was fine, and about 150 people assembled on the Hawera platform to greet the visitors. The train travelled very slowly between Normanby and Hawera, but on nearing the station this was accounted for, as it was seen that it was made up of two engines and ten carriages well filled with passengers. A hearty cheer was given as the carriages stopped ; and in the course of a few minutes, the whole party at once made off up the street towards the Town Hall, where the land sale was to be held. Captain Wray delayed the sale until the visitors began to throng into the hall, and then started forthwith. Many persons, bent both on business and pleasure, regretted that, by being thus plunged immediately into business, they had so little opportunity afforded them of sayine "How do you do ?" to their friends. However, as it was, the sale lasted until after 5 p.m., before which time the train had started on its return journey, carrying many o? the buyers back with it. It was estimated that fully 250 persons came down by train, among whom were a number of Normanby settlers. The District Manager remarked that the unballasted portion of the line was still very rough, and certainly not fit for heavy traffic in its present state. A fear was expressed by some, lest this informal opening ceremony might tend to interfere with the real opening for general traffic, about a month hence. We trust that it may not do so ; though it is certain that unless a good programme is got up for the occasion, by the hosts in Hawera, those who have come once might not trouble to come again.