THE OPUNAKE RAILWAY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 29 May 1914, Page 2

THE OPUNAKE RAILWAY

TURNIXO the first sod

(United Press Association.)

H AAV ERA.. May 28. " To-day was a ••red-letter" day for ODunake, when the ceremony of tuimng the first sod of the railway., which is to connect with the main me at Teroti was performed by the Hon. W. Fi aser m Glorious weather, and! in the presence of a large attendance of settlers fiom all parts of the province The Minister, who turned the sod amidst enlliusiasm, apologised for the unavoidable absence | (1 f the Premier. He paid, the line was ■ one of the most important m the Dorm-1 xiion. and he recognised that it- was of enormous importance to the settlers o the district. He would do what lie- could to have the line finished w.tlnn a reasonable time. l but the progress made would depend upon the amount -voted bv Parliament. The Minister was P le " «cnted with a silver inkstand, commemoration of the occasion. Subsequently -Mr Fraser was tendered a complimentary luncheon m the lo\sn Hall, where there was a representative gathering present. Congratulatory speeches, were made by Mr C. Dudley, chairman of the Opunake Railway League, the Tarauaki members of Parliament, many prominent settlers and representatives of the local bodies. Afterwards the Minister motored' to Eltham, where he will 'be the guest of the citizens tonight,.