OPENING OF THE MAKATOKU RAILWAY.

Waipawa Mail, Volume 2, Issue 200, 11 August 1880, Page 3

OPENING OF THE MAKATOKU RAILWAY.

(from our special correspondent.) There was no attempt at anything like display or ceremony in connection with the opening of the above line on Monday last. The morning train from Napier, having Mr Miller, railway manager, Mr Carr, resident engineer, and a few passengers aboard, proceeded as far as Ormondville station. On arrival there, the train was met by a number of children and a few men, who had congregated upon the platform, evidently actuated by curiosity more than anything else, as none of them seemed to any particular function to fulfil other than to gaze upon the novelty before them. In constructing the line from Kopua to Orrnondville, the contractors had many engine -;i lg difficulties to contend against, and from the general appearance of the country, and the loose nature of the soil, I should say the expenditure requisite to maintain the line in good working condition will far exceed the revenue for many years to come. The buildings connected with Doth Orrnondville and Makatoku stations are very neat structures, and such as will afford all needed accommodation both for passenger and goods traffic.

In consequence of a fall of loose earth upon the line from a deep cutting above Orrnondville station, the train did not proceed through to Makatoku on Monday. The line, however, was clear yesterday, and traffic commenced to the terminal station.

Before concluding, I might just direct attention to the fact that an accommodation house or hotel is badly needed at Makatoku. At present there does not appear to be accommodation of any description provided for travellers at this end of the line, and as Makatoku is, for a time at least, destined to be the railway and coach terminus, we may expect soon to hear the public voice raised in expostulation against this most unsatisfactory arrangement if some action in the matter is not immediately taken.