GISBORNE-KARAKA RAILWAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11658, 15 February 1900, Page 5

GISBORNE-KARAKA RAILWAY.

(Per United Pnr.ss Association.) GISBORNE, February 14. . The first sod of the Gisborne-Karaka, railway was turned this morning by the Hon. Mr Ward. The. Hons. W. Hall-Jones and J. Carroll were also present. The day was observed as a general holiday. There was a procession of friendly societies, the. Fire Brigade, etc. Representatives were presfent from local bodies of surrounding districts, and also Messrs Fraser ■ and J. Stevens, M.H.R.'s. There \vas a large public gathering, but owing to rain setting in Ministers deferred their speeches till the public meeting to-night. The first section of the line will be 20 miles, but it is intended to ultimately connect Gisborne with the railway system both north and south.. The mayor read the following telegram from the Premier: —"I regret exceedingly not being able to be present on the occasion of the turning of the first sod. of the Gis-borne-KaraVa railway. I had been looking forward with pleasure to redeeming,. the promise that I would do so, but another duty demands that I should be here'and at Christchurch during the despatch of the third contingent, in which I am proud to know you have worthy representatives. The words of the Commander-in-Chief, Lord Roberts, that our righting men will be a welcome addition to the. forces in South Africa should strike home to every wellwisher of the Empire. I feel sure you will have an interesting and satisfactory ceremony. You may rest assured that orice the sod is turned your worthy member and my colleague, the Hon. Mr Carroll* will not allow the Minister of Works to let the grass grow over it. I wish every success to all assembled, and hope to be present when the first section of the line is opened.—R J. Seddon."