THE TUAPEKA-ROXBURGH RAILWAY.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXII, Issue 848, 2 December 1905, Page 5

THE TUAPEKA-ROXBURGH RAILWAY.

TURNING THEFIftST SOD. Per Press Association. LAWRENCE, December 1. Tlic turning of tie first sod of the, Tua-peka-Roxburgh railway took place this, afternoon. The Premier, accompanied - by Mrs Seel don, the Major of Dunedin, bora of the. Otago League, the Hon. W. M. Bolt and a number of representative citizens, journeyed fmn town by special train, reaching Lawrence at 1 p.m. The Mayor of Lawrenco welcomed the party. The school children presented Xlrg Seddon with a bouquet, and the Premier wan preseaiei with a, geldes a. Ia ±oreinp fbe sod of tl>° first section, wKcli will ba'

about, six miles in length, tie Premier said tho total cost <if the line would be about £200,000. He predicted that, a large area, of land now regarded as purely pastoral would eventually be taken tip for fruitgrowing, and support thousands of families. With the runs cut up for closer settlement and Central Ota go effectively irrigated, the country was capable of maintaining a large population. There would be practically three loops, one count-cling Invenargill, via Clarksville, the other connecting Roxburgh with Alexandra. r:iiJ there would be direct, connection with Duuedin. The party were entertained at luncheon by the townspeople of Lawrence, and in the evening at a social. To-morrow the Premier will speak at Waihola, and iu the cveniag proceed to btirling.