OPENING OF THE INVERCARGILLRIVERTON RAILWAY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 1472, 10 June 1879, Page 2

OPENING OF THE INVERCARGILLRIVERTON RAILWAY.

[By Telegraph.! Inveiicatigill, June 9. Thero was a demonstration to day m honor of the occasion of the opening of the railway from Invercargill to Riverton. There wa» an excursion train to Riverton of eighteen carriages, all of which wero well filled. Tbe passengers included the Mayor, Corporation, and many of the principal citizens ; the Gentral Manager, Christchurch Railways ; and Mr Conyers, Commissioner of Railways. Tbe train travelled slowly after passing the permanent way at Makerewa Junction, the line being very light. After this had been passed over, it at several places presented a distorted appearance, the rails being only 30lbs. The excursion train started at 11.30, and arrived at Riverton at 2 o'clock. The visitors, on arrival, were received by the Mayor (Mr Daniel), who m a sbort address said he had much pleasure m opening the line, as he had been authorised to perform that ceremony by the Minister of Public Works. His Worship gare a cordial welcome to all, and an invita* tion to a banquet m the Commercial Hotel, tbe expense of which was borne by the Corporation alone, as the County Council refused to contribute anything. The banquet was an excellent one, the Mayor being m the chair. Amongst tbe toasts given was "Success to the Western District," m proposing which His Worship prognosticated great success for it after the railways scheme shall have been completed. In the former pirt of the day the weather was fine, bat it did not keep bo, and towards the latter part became thick and drizzling. The train started back for Invercargill at 4.20 p.m., and it only reached its destination about 8 o'clock, owing to along detention at Mkkaxewa Junotion.