CROWN LANDS FOR SELECTION

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 88, 7 November 1932, Page 5

CROWN LANDS FOR SELECTION

TWO MILLION ACRES BEING [THROWN OPEN i Press Association—Copyright r Received Today, 10.30 a.m. Brisbane, Today.—Crown lands totalling nearly two million acres are shortly being thrown open for selecflo*** ... !_; t.aJ_i._uL.;

Scenes of Great Enthusiasm HON. J. G. COATES TAKES OVER CONTROL OF TRAIN Coins Placed on Line for Souvenirs Press Association —Copyright Tangarakau, Today.—About three thousand residents of Tara. naki and Waimarino attended the ceremony at Heao at which the Hon G. W. Forbes drove the last spike into the lin e which gives Taranaki direct communication with Auckland by rail. The weather was brilliant. Mr Forbes was introduced by Mr Langstone, M.P.. who stressed the importance of the railways to the development of the Dominion. Addressing the gathering before performing the ceremony Mr Forbes said anything that would bring farmers and settlers closer to the port would serve to equip them better for competition in the world's markets. He was confL denf, that just as the difficulties confronting the completion of the Kailway line had been overcome, so would be overcome the difficulties facing the Dominion as a whole. : Hard work, determination and initiative had* actuated those who had broiight about the completion of the railway line and it was by exercljse of these qualities that the people of tbe Dominion would rise above their difficulties. Mr Forbes paid a tribute to the engineers and all others who had carried, out the work in connection W"th the line.

The Mayoress of Stratford, Mrs Percy Thomson, presented Mr Forbes with a silver spike and the Mayoress of Taumaruhui presented him with a silver maUet to commemorate the ceremony.^',; Hon s;■'Masters, M.L.C., said that, now been completed_it was up.;tp the people of the district to makr ; ufiel;<>f it. A very great deal depended upon them. Hon. J. (£.:',-■ Coates also addressed the gathering and gave an undertaking he would do his best to make some provision for those who had lost permanent employment as the result of the completion of the work. When everything was ready for the, train to proceed along the completed line Mr Coates mount, ed the cab of the engine and took over the control. People rushed to the side of the line and placed coins under Ihe wheels, thus creating for ihem_ selves souvenirs of the occasion. Standing on the cowcatcher with a small pair of scissors open in his hand was Mr P. W. Ftirkert and tumultuous cheering broke forth as the top was snipped and the train pro. ceeded on* its way.