OPENING OF THE DUNEDININVERCARGILL RAILWAY.

Western Star, Issue 281, 25 January 1879, Page 5

OPENING OF THE DUNEDININVERCARGILL RAILWAY.

Through communication between Invercargill and Dunedin is now established. The opening Ceremony took place on Wednesday last, and was celebrated in a manner in keeping with the occasion. The demonstrations of joy, however, were tempered with sadness at the accident which bcfel the popular Commissioner of Railways for the Middle Island, Mr Conyers. When near the railway bridge at Gore, Mr Conyers, who was standing on the second engine of the tiain, overbalanced himsoif and fell off the train, cutting himself fearfully about the head.. At the time we write very little hope is entertained of his recovery. The first train which left, Christchurch the previous day brought a large number of distinguished visitors who had received invitations for the opening trip. The train did not arrive in Invercargill till six o’clock. As it approached the station, it was received with a volley of artillery. The train was drawn by two magnificent express engines recently imported from America. The visitors were received on the platform by the Mayor and members of the Demonstration Committee. The volunteers were drawn up in line, and tiie magnificent band was in attendance ; it would require an actuary to compute the number of yards of bunting displayed. It was a most fortunate circumstance that the weather was so good. Southland weather is looked upon by our northern neighbours as similar to that experienced in the arctic regions. A more intimate acquaintance with it, however, showed the Visitors that we sometimes have fine weather. In the evening 8 large number of buildings were illuminated. The electric light was displayed from top of the Athenaeum, and the Fire Brigade had a torchlight procession. The great event of the evening, however, was the dinner. This was given in the new theatre, and was attended by over three hundred people. Every degree of co onist was represented, from a “ common” councilman to a minister of the C own. The rpeeehi so.i the wh, le were go d. Gallant old Colonel Bre:b lairly brought down the house in responding to the toast of the Army and Navy. He quoted Napoleon’s opinion of the British “ they are a nation of shopkeepers and manufacturers,” “ but” said the Colonel (looking unjio the gallcrI', 1 ', which was well filled with ladies) “ we can still manufacture as great heroes as those who conquered at Waterloo!” The Hon. W. H. Reynolds was a little prosy. A compliment seldom psid to after dinner orators was given to Mr Wakefield. In responding to the toast or the Member of the House of Representatives, lie made a very good speech, his pleasing style of having quite charmed the audience. At the conclusion of his speech he apologised for spraking so long, but cries of “No! no!” and “ Go on !” resounded from all parts of the bouse. Mr Reliance also spoke well. The proceedings terminated about eleven- o’clock.