THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE GREYMOUTH AND BRUNNER RAILWAY.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3833, 17 June 1873, Page 2

THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE GREYMOUTH AND BRUNNER RAILWAY.

This being the first work of its kind commenced on the West Coast of the Middle Island, naturally created great excitement and enthusiasm. The volunteers, friendly societies, and public formed a grand procession to the spot chosen for the turning of the first sod, whioh haying been performed in workmanlike style by Mr W. H. Harrison, M.H.R., he is reported to have spoken to the following effect : — " When he accepted the contractor's invitation to be present on that occasion, and to take a leading part in the ceremony, he was prompted to do so by several reasons ; first, because during the last seven or eight years he had given a great deal of his time and attention to the advocacy of that work which was now in reality being commenced, both as a public writer here and elsewhere, and as the member in the General Assemby for the Grey Valley, through which district the intended railway was to be made ; and, in the second place, because he was under the belief that the work now formally inaugurated would be shown to be one of the most important works, and likely to be one of the most remunerative, of any similar undertakings in the colony. Many of the public were doubtless aware of the various delays which had taken place since it was first mooted. It would be remembered that a Ohristchurch company was formed, which from various causes was obliged to succumb to the difficulties which were then presented against the mine being efficiently or advantageously worked. After this failure, several other fruitless attempts were made in Wellington, Greymouth, and Nelson, but all with like results. Not until the year 1870, when the Fox Government brought down the measure known as the Immigration and Public Works Policy, did the Greymouth and Brunner Railway show any real signs of attaining permanent life. Even subsequent to the introduction of that measure, there were delays which could not be avoided ; there were obstacles thrown in the way by the Nelson Government which had to be overcome ; there was the circumstance that the Government considered the first tender too high, when fresh estimates had to be prepared and public tenders called for. He was glad to see, however, that all this delay had not decreased the public satisfaction now that the work was beyond doubt in a fair way towards its early completion. He scarcely thought it necessary to dilate upon the importance of the present work, not only to the town of Greymouth, but to the whole district. He believed few people would be found who would deny its importance. He was aware that the West Coast could not entertain any great hope of achieving a permanent stability like unto that arising from the agricultural resources of California ; neither could it in this respect be compared to Ofcago or Canterbury. But the timber and coal exports which were in the future for this district would vio with these other advantages, and he had little doubt but that a few years would show railways running further up the coast. He could readily conceive that it would be at no very distant date Avhen railways would be seen on many parts of the Coast, and ho hoped he might be among the number to witness it. At the conclusion of those remarks, three cheers wore called for Mr Harrison, for the contractoi*, for the Mayor of Greymouth, the Mayor of Hokitika, and for Mr Yogel, which wore all heartily responded to by those present. The school children then sang the National Anthem, at the termination of which Captain Hamilton called for three cheers for the Queen, which were loudly given, led off by the volunteers." A free luncheon, a banquet, and a ball occupied the enthusiasts tho remainder of the day.