RAILWAY CELEBRATION AT PATEA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 4431, 28 August 1883, Page 2

RAILWAY CELEBRATION AT PATEA.

OPENING THE LINE FROM WAVEELEY TO MANUTAHI.

[telegraphed by our special reporter.] New Plymouth to Wanganui Railway was among the earliest scheduled for construction on the initiation of the Public Works scheme. Sir Julius Yogel considered it was cheaper to civilise than to fight the natives, and more conducive to the prosperity of both races in New Zealand. The first section — New Plymouth to Waitara — was opened in October'l4th, 1875, and thetextension to Ingle wood in August 28th, 1877. The official opening to Hawera took place on October 20th, 1881, and is memorable from the fact that the first news by which Nsw Plymouth excursionists were greeted on arrival at Hawera was that the Hon. John Bryce had issued his celebrated manifesto calling on Te Whiti and his misguided adherents to peaceably surrender. Such a large freight of human beings had never before been whisked out of New Plymouth in one batch on a forty-eight mile journey ; and " Who'd a thought it," fitly expressed the wonderment of both the Taranaki and the Hawera people on the crowd emerging from the railway station at the latter place about four hours after leaving New Plymouth. This was in marked contrast to the plucky undertaking of Mr. Chavannes, who, starting from Hawera at six o'clock on the morning of the 4th January, 1879, successfully brought the first coach and four by the Mountain Road to Inglewood, doing the whole journey through to New Plymouth in about ten hours ; or the more daring undertaking of Mr. Young, who, on the 12th January, 1871, arrived with the first through coach by the coast at New Plymouth. These have all in turn been notable events, and have helped to break through the former isolation.

There is now another progressive step to chronicle. This is the opening of the railway from Waverley to Manutahi, leaving only a gap of nine miles to give a clear run from Foxton to New Plymouth of 195 miles. In 1875, the so-called Patea to Wanganui section was under contract, about 8£ miles, starting, however, at the Wanganui end. In 1876, under the title of Kai-Iwi to Wanganui, the formation of this same length was still reported as under contract, but was expected to be finished by September. This length lay so long unused after .the formation was completed, that much of the work had to be done over again.

In September, 1880, the length, Wanganui to Waitotara, was opened ; but early in 1879, the route thence to Waverley had not been decided, and public meetings were being held to settle whether the town of Waverley should be tapped, or the inland or seaward route adopted. Finally the line was planned to come within half-a-mile of Waverley, and the official opening thus far, 33 miles from Wanganui, took place in March, 1881 ; the event being duly celebrated. To Patea people it seemed a misnomer to term the line Patea to Wanganui, when, infact, nothing was attempted from the Patea end, and the line was approaching so slowly from Wanganui. Agitation was therefore persisted in till the Carlyle (now officially known as Patea) station contract was put in hand. This consisted of one mile of formation and permanent way, the levelling of the railway station site, some reclamation, and the construction of 540 feet of whari on the river frontage. This was completed in November, 1881. The great improvement effected in the navigation of the Patea River during 1879, through the partial carrying out of the design of Sir John Coode in 1878, led to very earnest agitation for a start to be made with the railway north and south form Patea, with the view of completing the gap with economy and speed. Beyond the station contract all efforts in this direction were useless.

The Whenuakura contract — 8 miles 31 chains — extending from Waverley to Patea, was let in March, 1882, and was to have, been completed by October of the same year, notwithstanding that there were several heavy cuttings in the contract, and timber staging extending 440 feet round the Bluff at Patea, and 300 feet of bridge work (with approaches) across the Whenuakura River, in addition to other smaller crossings. The accident to the Rangitikei Bridge in June, 1882, cut off the timber supply, and greatly delayed this portion of the work. The cuttings, too, took longer to pierce than expected, but the greatest hindrance was the embankment across the swamp near the flagstaff at Patea Heads. This was an expensive work for the contractor, a puzzler for the engineers, and a never^ failing source of attraction to visitors, as well as to residents ; and prayers and anathemas alike availed not to mend the matter, till a most extraordinary lot of earth had been deposited on the line of embankment. For several months the formation sunk and kept sinking, while the flat surface of the Boiling Down Work's paddock bulged up here and there till it now presents a very hummocky appearance. It was only last month that this embankment was pronounced set firm, and no time has since been lost in completing the ballasting. During 1880 the " unemployed" were set to work in small parties northward of Patea, and short lengths of heavier work were let by contract. The earthwork contracts, Patea and Manutahi, were all to have been out of hand by March, and the plate-laying contract, 7 miles 38 chains, by June of this year. The earthwork on the station site at Manutahi was heavy and has caused, delay. Station buildings, sidings, and other necessary conveniences have been completed at various points, on the whole length from Waverley to Manutahi, a total distance of 16 mileSj to the opening celebration of which this is a necessary prelude. Patea is supplied with a very useful station, embracing in addition to the necessary accommodation of the usual railway officials at a moderately important station, refreshment rooms with coo, long appliances, and a compact hotel bar. A verandah runs the whole length of the railway-station, so that the platform is completely under cover. Goods station, engine-shed, and cattle sheds, with other necessary buildings have been erected, and lines of rails laid to connect the railway wharf with the main line and goods depot. The station-master's house is the only paltry portion oE the Patea work. It is neat enough in appearance, but very small. The station-master, Mr. Roche, wns in charge about three weeks before opening day, Mr. Dufliy going at the same time to Manutahi. A splendid supply of water has been secured at Patea station by sinking into a rock on the higher land, a quarter of a mile from the station. Thiß reservoir holds 300,000 gallons. Two powerful locomotives are on the line, the carriages coming up £rom WanganuiSo soon as the day of opening had boon officially announced, a public meeting was convened at Patea, and a strong committee formed to carry out arrangements. Subcommittees wore formed, the divisions resulting in Reception, Luncheon, and Ball Committees; Mr. J. W. Bright being hon. secretary and treasurer. The following nro the members of the Committee : — Messrs. R. C. Tennent (elected chairman), Taplin, R. Homer, T. flaywood, W. Cowcrn, E. L. Barton, W. Wilson (Whenuakura), G. H. Norman, J. H. Clayton, W. Williams, R. Currie, H. E. P. Adams, Eyton, Lundberg, Miller, G. D. Hamerton, T. Smart, H. S. Peacock, G. T. Potto, H. T. G. Turner, W. Taylor, R. A. Adams, G. F. Sherwood, J. Gibson, W. H. Clarke, F. R. Doneghue, A. A. Gower, y?, Brown.

The resignation of Mr. John Milroy, as Mayor, at the commencement of arrangements for the opening ceremony, led to thp temporary appointment by the Borough Council of Mr. R. A. Adams, and upon this gentleman has therefore devolved the honors attaching to the Mayoralty.

Rain fell heavily during last night, but cleared up before daylight, and the weather is now mild and sunshiny. An archway of evergreens, with the words "Welcome to Patea," adorns the exit from tho station grounds. Evergreen decorations are also along the railway platform. Two steamers with bunting are at the railway wharf. There are streamers across Egmont-street, and near St. James 1 Hall, with other private displays. The first train brought about two dozen visitors from Hawera, but many came by private conveyance. Major Atkinson and Sir Wm. Fox being unable to attend, leaves it for the Mayor (Mr. R. A. Adams) to receive visitors, and formally declare the line open on the arrival of the train from Wanganui. The reception arrangements were successfully carried out, and on the Mayor formally declaring the railway open the Volunteers, headed by the band, followed by the school children and a large concourse, marched in procession to the town. Wanganui is represented by the Mayor and several Councillors ; the Mayor of Hawera is also present, and a number o£ railway officials and various representative men from Wanganui. The school children are being entertained by Captain Taplin, and the Mayor defrays the cost of an excursion to Manutahi.

The luncheon at St. James' Hall is presided over by the Mayor of Patea, with the Mayors of Wanganui and Hawera right and left supporters.