On Thursday, 29th March, the pretty little East Coast town of Tauranga decked itself in its holiday best to mark the occasion of the formal opening of the railway line between Waihi and Taneatua.

Constructional work on this section was commenced as far back as July, 1910, but had been subjected to many interruptions. A shortage of labour during the war period necessitated a cessation of operations from March, 1917, to January, 1918, since when work between Waihi and Tauranga has been carried on steadily. With the exception of a section of about 18 1/4 miles between Tahawai and the Wairoa River, for which a contract was let to Sir W. Armstrong Whitworth and Co., the work of construction has been carried out by the Public Works Department.

The length of the line between Waihi and Taneatua is a little over 98 miles, and in this length are 33 station yards. There are also 81 bridges of a total length of 12,192 feet (over two miles).

The opening of the new line, which provides railway communication from the eastern terminus at Taneatua with the North Island Main Trunk line at Frankton Junction, has been eagerly awaited by East Coast residents who, hampered by inadequate harbour facilities, have long recognised that the line was essential to the development of the district. It can, therefore, be imagined that the official opening ceremony would be the occasion for an unprecedented and enthusiastic gathering of settlers and townspeople. As a matter of fact, the estimated number who availed themselves of the Department's free train service was 5000.

Arrival Of The First Train.

The arrival of the first train was the signal for an outburst of cheering and a haka by the Maoris lined up on the platform. The Prime Minister and Minister of Railways, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, who had travelled from Wellington by train, mounted the raised dais, accompanied by the Hon. K. S. Williams, Minister of Public Works, the Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister of Lands, Mr. C. E. Macmillan, M.P. for Tauranga, Mr. F. F. Hockley, M.P. for Rotorua, Mr. A. M. Samuel, M.P. for Ohinemuri, Mr. W. Lee Martin, M.P. for Raglan, Mr. H. Holland, M.P. for Christchurch North, and local body representatives.

Introducing the Prime Minister, Mr. R. King, Chairman of the Tauranga County Council, expressed the appreciation of the residents of the Bay of Plenty to Mr. Coates for his action in coming to Tauranga at great personal inconvenience to open the railway.

Mr. Coates was greeted with applause. It was with great pleasure, he said, that he had managed to make this flying visit. Tauranga always appealed to him because of its beautiful setting, benign atmosphere, and glorious scenery, which were unsurpassed in New Zealand.

“Tauranga is a town of great historical associations,” he continued. “The white pioneers did not come here without difficulty, for in those early days they had to take on these gentlemen page 5 (indicating Reweti Ngatai and his interpreter) who have just addressed you (laughter), and it was no mean fight either. It is well to remember that that scene has changed. An agreement was arrived at between the two races and it has been honoured by both sides as a gentlemen's agreement should be. We are glad to shake hands with our Maori friends whenever we meet them.” (Applause.)

A Creditable Performance.

Mr. Coates went on to say that in 1920 he remembered the need of the continuation of the East Coast Railway being forcibly advocated in the House of Representatives, particularly by the late Sir William Herries, whose name should be revered by all. (Applause.) At that time, the speaker believed, he had carned a good deal of unpopularity because, as Minister of Public Works, he had asked the people of the Coast to leave the question of the railway in his hands to deal with in accordance with his policy of linking up certain non-paying lines. Under that policy the work at Tauranga had to be stopped temporarily, and he well remembered the “scornful howl” raised from one end of the district to the other. But he put it to them now that the construction of that railway was in reality a wonderfully creditable performance in a small country. (Applause.)

“You have a great district and a great people settled in it,” the Prime Minister added, “and I hope you will stick to your own railway service. You have a good motor and an up-to-date boat service, I know, but all we ask is that you give us a fair share of the trade and custom.” (Hear, hear.)

The Hon. K. S. Williams, Minister of Public Works, expressed confidence that when the railway was getting and giving a good service, vast improvement and development would take place in the Bay of Plenty. He appealed specially to the Maoris to patronise the railway, particularly in the carriage of their maize and kumeras.

Cutting The Ribbon.

At the conclusion of the speeches Mrs. Macmillan cut a ribbon held at the ends by two little girls, pakeha and Maori—Miss Eileen Dive, daughter of the Mayor, and Miss Rangihoie.

Cheers were given for Mr. B. C. Robbins, secretary of the celebrations committee, whose efforts had so completely been crowned with success.