THE PREMIER'S VISIT TO WHANGAREI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5419, 31 March 1879, Page 6

THE PREMIER'S VISIT TO WHANGAREI.

THIS TURNING THE FIRST SOD OF THE WfLA.NGAKIiI-KA.MO RAILWAY. [»Y TKMCGKAPH, FKOM OUK COKKE.»PONDBNT.] Whangarei, March 22. In* compliance with the invitation from the settlers of the distiict, giv u through their representative, tho County Council, the ; Hon. the Premier, Sir George Grey, K.C.8., \ visited Whangirei to-day, accompanied by his private Secretary, Mr. W. Mitchell, and Mr. Seymour Thoruo George, M.11.K, for tlio purpose of turning the iirst sod of the Wlmngarei-Kamo railway. This is a branch li:;e, running from the township to the Kaino coal mine, but will ultimately join the main liii-% to 1 leleusville, connecting with Aucklarul. The event was held to be of considerable importance, judging from the great interest taken in n by the people of the district. Ail influential committee liail been appointed to make the necessary arrangements. 'J he day was one of geueral n juicing. Tne people 11-cked into the township from aJI parts oV the district. Tin?re was a large inust-r of natives present, who vied with th-ir Haropcan neighbour.-* in the h> artiness of their reception of their old and true fiieno, the Premier. It was arranged that the ceremony should take place at 2 o'clock in the aft rnoon. The Hiueuioa anchored ofl* Limestone Island on the previous evening, ami the whistle wa3 souuded to iutimato her arrival. Mr. Aubrey, Kesident Magistrate, came on board at the Heals. The Premier and party arrived shortly before ten o'clock this morning, in an open boat, ami were received at the landing-place by the chairman and members of the local bodies. Tlio forenoon was spent iu receiving deputations on various matters and in interviews with the settlers, to whom Sir George Grey has been personally known for many years, and by whom he is held in the highebt esteem on accoimtof the interest he has always manifested in their welfare. THrt WIIANGARCI-KAMO It • TLWAY. At two o'clock the people began to asm-uiulu at the locality where the certmony of turning the iirst sod was to take place.—a piece of opeu ground opposite Mr. Frater's paddock, where every preparation was made. A covered platform had been erected, over, which floated the British eueigu. The Pieinier was e3cortcd by a large number of the principal settlers,

and heartily received by the people a3« sembled.

Sut Gkorgr Gkey said : It is with great tdeasuiv I t»?n the first sod of thi« railway. I earnos'lv hope that Providence will blc-»s our work; thi* day. (O leers.)

Thit Pr-ime«- then out the fO'J, placed it in a handsome bor/ow of cedar wood, and wheeled it a'nn.; the plank, tipping the sod over wry skilfully at the end. During the operation the people cheered vociferously. Sir George Grey then addressed the people. At half-past 4 o'clock the Premier was entertained at a public binquet in the Good Templar Public Hall, which was in every re3pect a great success About eighty gentlemen sat down to an excellent collation, provide l by Mrs. Fuller, proprietress of the Setters' Hotel.