OPUNAKE RAILWAY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19440, 28 October 1925, Page 7

OPUNAKE RAILWAY

OPENED BY PRIME MINISTER. THE DISTRICT EN FETE.

[Per Press Association.] HA WEB A, Oct. 27. The official opening of the Opunake railway took place to-day in the presence of a large and influential gathering of people of the Opunake district. Thp teremony was performed by the Prime Minister. Short addresses of welcome were made by local representatives. Great enthusiasm prevailed as the first train steamed into the station with the Prime Minister on the engine and carriages filled with visitors. Mrs flawken and Mrs Trotter were standing on the cow-catcher of the, engine. There were several ribbons across the line. The Prime Minister, in the course of his remarks, reminded his hearers that the line was commenced in 1014 after it had been promised many years before. Not much work was done till 1920. In 1920 efforts were concentrated on the line. Mr Qoates commented on the fact that in three years the efficiency of the Department had increased 40 per Cent. He paid a tribute to the work of Mr Ball, Public Works engineer, and said it would still be six months before the line was taken over by the Hailway Department. A length of twenty-two miles had cost already £372,000, and £38,000 more was required for stations, buildings, and ballasting, a total of £410,000, or about £18,200 per mile. At the very earliest I moment improved facilities would be I granted for goods and passengers.