COMMENCEMENT OF THE KAITANGATA RAILWAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4174, 5 July 1875, Page 7

COMMENCEMENT OF THE KAITANGATA RAILWAY.

Balclutha, June- 18th. THE VIItST SOD . •■ .

Of the Kaitaugata Railway was turned today by Sir John Richardson. There were over one hundred-and fifty persons' present. MiDavidson, the Chairman of the Directors, handed Sir John Richardson a spade, and requested him to turn the first sod, which he did, and wheeled it on to the line. Mrs A. J. Smyth then broke a bottle of champagne on the harrow. Sir John addressed the assembly, and referred to the day being the anniversary of the battle of Waterloo, and the appropriateness of selecting a military officer to turn the sod. The day would also be remembered throughout the district as the anniversary of a victory over their difficulties by the commencement of a ; railway which embraced extensive coalfields.. He referred to his first visit to the district, and the progress made since then, and the fertility of the district in agricultural produce and coal. He alluded to his knighthood, and said the Chitha district had., first elected him to the Council, which was the first step to his present honour. It was a good feature of the railway that it was taken up, and would be carried out by the people without Government aid ; also, that the land for the railway was given free by the landowners. The railway, he said, was sure to be a success, and he. would advise all to take shares, —(Loud cheers.) . THE LUNCHKOX . Took-place at Humphrey's Bridge Hotel, Kaitangata, and about sixty were at table, which was sumptously furnished. Mr Davidson was the chairman, with Sir John on his left, and Mr J. P. Maitland officiated as vice-chairman, Messrs A. J. Smyth, Eillans, jiinr, and Kenyon, being on his right. Bishop Nevill and Dr A. J. Ferguson, of Dunedin, were also present. The Chaiiuiax gave the 'usual loyal toasts. The Vice-Chair gave the Superintendent andCouncil. _ , ■ . ' Sir John replied, saying that the present Superintendent and Executive had the interests of the Province at heart more than any other previously. ... : • - f Mr J. I. Mait-land then proposed the health of Sir John, and presented him, in the name of the directors, with a silver spade with a suitable inscription. Sir John replied at length, and was most enthusiastically received, and concluded by proposing success to the railway'works coupled with the names of Messrs 11. G-rigor and A. J. Smyth, who suitably responded.

3y[r Smyth said trains would be running from Kaitang'ita to Stirling in 6 or 7. months, and the line was certain to be a success.

Mr GuiGon said, in the course of his remarks, that the Coal Company, which was now amalgamated with the Railway Company, was formed two and a half years ago. It was then a very small concern, but now there was no doubt it would be entirely successful, and the coalfields would benefit the Colony at large. He complemented the shareholders for the plucky manner in which they had stuck to it iv the outset. They would now reap tlieir reward. Mr A. J. Smyth proposed the health of the Bishop, who, in reply, said that as a colonist, which hie hoped-to be as long as God spared him, he would take an interest in the material progress of the Colony. Some might think it out of place for him to be present at such a meeting; but he considered he ought to take an interest in such matters. He congratulated them upon the work being a private enterprise, and said that Governments were sometimes too paternal, and people trusted too much to them instead of acting for themselves. "The Host and Hostess" followed, and " Auld Lang Syne" concluded the proceedings.