OTATARA TRAMWAY

Southern Cross, Volume 15, Issue 51, 28 March 1908, Page 12

OTATARA TRAMWAY

OFFICIAL OPENING. A BRILLIANT SUCCESS. The official opening of the Otatara tramway took place on Wednesday afternoon under most favourable circumstances, and tiie cars and trucks .were packed with visitors. On the invitation of the Proprietary, a number of representatives assembled for luncheon, including the Hon. IT. Feld-wickv-M.L.C., Mr j. A. Hanan, M.P., and Air W. B. Scandrett, Mayor of Invercargill, and several others. Air J. A. Hanan delivered a capital address, and warmly lauded the enterprise and energy of the promoters in their great undertaking'. Mr F. V. Raymond responded, and in a neat little address acknowledged all the kind remarks, and intimated that he had word from Wellington that as soon as 3 5 per cent, of the land was sold the line would be completed to the river. He was sanguine that it would be an easy matter to do that, and anticipated that before next summer the work would be complete.

Several other . toasts were given anrl briefly responded to, and the task of formally opening - the lino was deftly performed by Mrs F. V. Raymond, a lady who has won favour with the residents since settling in their midst.

A word of praise is due to the employes, who worked hard in conveying the passengers to and from the grounds, and it reflects credit on these gentlemen when we Say that no hitch occurred to mar the proceedings. The line is in excellent order, and the visitors were agreeably surprised at the smoothness with which the cars glided over from end to end. On the grounds a fine marquee had been elected, and a manuka hotel under the management of Miss Coster did good business in light refreshments, while Mrs Raymand, Mrs Coster, and others' ably looked after the afternoon tea. The only drawback apparently is the want of water, and the residents have to depend on tanks. For Wednesday’s function an ample supply was brought over in tanks from town. The Garrison Band was in attendance, and rendered good service, and a capital little sports programme, under the management of Mr Mcrric, the teacher, was gone through, with the following results : Apple-eating competition—J. Hastings 1, W. Cockburn 2. Little Girls' Race—May Lillv 1. Mary O’Connor 2. looting Ladies’ Race—Miss Coster 1 Miss Binel 2. Boys’ Race—J. Hastings 1. H. Alsweiller 2. Wood-Chopping— Ist £2, 2nd £1 D Gordon (15 secs) 1, a. Rennie (10 secs) 2, IV. Ackers (20 secs) 3 ■ 10 entries. Married Ladies’ Race—lst Gold brooch, 2nd silver butter knife.— Mrs Doherty 1, Mrs H. -Alurch 2.

putting- the weight—.!. McFadgcn 1,. ,A : Gutzwitz 2, seven entries. ' . During- the afternoon Miss Powell, the Labour organiser delivered an address, and was listened to by a large audience., She dwelt on " the fact that part of the proceeds wore to ijo devoted to the erection of a hall and the other halt to the Garrison Band funds. She was pleased to Jie , cU v ’ that they contemplated erecting a hall, and hoped they would succeed" in their good object.

A large number made their way to the Oreti River and spent an enjoyable afternoon basking in the sunshine, and one and all returned to town pleased that they went, and voting - Otatara an ideal spot both for picnic and private residence, and t w e anticipate that before many months have passed great changes will take place in this natural botanical -garden.