GREETINGS FROM STRATFORD TO OHURA

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

GREETINGS FROM STRATFORD TO OHURA

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR (MR. PERCY THOMSON) . Some 30 odd years ago the Hon. W* Hall-Jones, the then Minister of Public Works, turned the first sod at Stratford for the construction of the Stratford-Main Trunk Railway, and, so I understand, stated that the line would be completed within seven years. More than four times this period has elapsed since then, and to the struggling settler out back it must oftimes have been a case of "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick." These days are now passed and we look forward to November 7 for the celebration of the completion of the line. On such an occasion we would remember all those who have taken part in the construction of the line, the surveyors, draughtsmen engineers, bridge-builders, tunnellers, and a!! other workmen who have toiled and sweated to see the job through, and express our appreciation of their work. We send our greetings from Central Taranaki to those in the Olrura and other north-eastern parts of the province, and look forward to hand-clasps in mutual rejoicing on "The Day." Whilst many other districts are forced by the economic conditions of the Dominion to wait—with what patience they can—and see the realisation of their hopes deferred, the Railway Board has agreed to the completion and opening of the Stratford-Main Trunk Line. We trust that the confidence of the board as evidenced in its policy with regard to this particular line will not prove ill-founded, and that the travelling, commercial, farming, and in fact all sections of the community will assist the board in every way possible to make good. There are great potentialities in the 'districts to be served, whilst the completion of this trunk line should mean the forging of another link in the transport system of the Dominion. !n the future, may we be able to look back on November 7, 1932, as marking the dawn of brighter pnd better days for ajl those who on that day will gather to celebrate and rejoice over the completion of the Stratford-Main Trunk Railway.