RAILWAY EXTENSION IN MELLINGTON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5917, 3 November 1880, Page 6

RAILWAY EXTENSION IN MELLINGTON.

[BY TELEGRAPH, PRESS ASSOCIATION".] WKLLiKfiTfiK, Tuesday. The extension of the railway to Masterton ■was opened to-day. The first train left at S o'clock with nearly 700 excursionists. The Masterton train arrived here at 1.45 p.m. from Masterton, and presented a very gay appearance. The train was met by about 2000 persons. A procession was formed at the railway station, and marched to town. It was headed by the Masterton Band, and consisted of the Fire Brigade, and the following friendly societies :—Foresters, Odd-Fellows, Good Templars, Shepherds, and Juvenile Foresters, and also the school children. The Mayor read a congratulatory address. At the banquet this afternoon, to celebrate the opening of the railway, the Mayor occupied the chair, and Major Atkinson, the Hon. Mr. Rolleston, and the Mayor of Wellington were present. Major Atkinson-, in replying to the toast, said the duty of carrying out retrenchment was unpleasant, but the Government would not shrink from it whatever might be the consequences. He regretted they were not called upon to celebrate the completion of the last link connecting Wellington with Napier and Wanganui, but was quite certain from their present financial position they must pause before going any further. If the present policy, however, were carried out the colony could easily meet all its engagements. . Mr. Rolleston 'followed in a similar strain, and said lie was certain the feeling throughout the colony was of thrift and industry, and that this was no time to launch into new schemes or speculations. They wanted the land opened for settlement anil industry, and the lands of the colony were capable of settling millions, whereas there were only thousands on them. He was very hopeful of the future of the colony. Sereral gentlemen followed, speaking of the great benefit the district would derive from the establishment of railway communication with Wellington.