25 May 1893 - Opening of Hokitika Grey Railway
This event,
which bad been looked forward to with eager anticipation for so long, took
place yesterday. As is usual in functions of this description, the state of the
weather constituted an important element in the success or non-success of the
demonstration. Tuesday was fine but the clouds closed in ominously as night
came on and several heavy showers fell. The morning, broke gloomy and
threatening and when the train came in from Greymouth to convey the first
excursion there seemed every probability of its raining. The Hon the Premier
drove in from Kumara early in the morning and went through to Greymouth by the
first train. Owing to the threatening state of the weather a number of
intending excursionsists decided to remain in town and a great number of
country settlers delayed coming into town till later in the day. Still, the
first train took fully a thousand passengers, all parts of the district being
represented, miners from the neighbouring gold fields, farmers from Arahura and
Kokatahi and settlers from South Westland, besides a respectable percentage of Hokitika residents. Contingents were
taken in at the Arahura bridge, Stafford track, Kumara road and at Paroa, so
when the train arrived at Greymouth it presented an imposing spectacle. The
greatest enthusiasm prevailed throughout. At every habitation, road, or track
abutting on the line could be seen men, women and children waving hats, handkerchiefs,
ferns, in fact anything handy that enabled them to express their satisfaction
at the occasion, whilst when ever the train slowed down the band added their tribute.
At Greymouth flags were flying in all directions and the streets were alive
with people. In addition to the Hokitika
train, the Midland Company sent one down from Reefton and the Grey Valley which
contained from four to five hundred people whilst the tugboat Westland had
brought 40 down from Westport. A hundred had got on board but the Collector of
Customs refused to allow more than 40 to travel being the number for whom a
special permit had been obtained. The members of the local bodies insisted on
their right to come and a number of residents made up the contingent allowed,
Luncheon
at Greymouth.
At half-past
eleven a public luncheon took place in the Public Hall. Seats had been laid for
150 persons and every space was occupied. The chair was occupied by the Mayor
of Greymouth (Mr Kettle) having the Hon the Premier on his right hand and the
Mayor of Hokitika on his left
hand. The vice chairs were occupied by Mr Hannan (Gray County Chairman) and Mr
Matheson. Amongst the guests were Mr Hales (Engineer-in-chief) and Maxwell
(Railway Commissioner) the Mayors of Westport, Brunnerton, Kumara and Ross and the
Chairmen of the County Councils of Buller and Inangahua. The luncheon baying
been disposed of the Chairman gave the toast of the Queen which was drank with
more than usual enthusiasm, those present recognising the fitness of the
occasion. The Chairman said before proposing the next toast he would read some
telegrams he had received, one from Mr R. H. J. Reeves regretting his inability
to be present and one also from the Hon Sir P. A. Buckley to a similar effect.
He also read a telegram from Hons Cadman, Buckley and Ward sending their
congratulations, on behalf of the Cabinet, on such an auspicious event and
expressing a hope for the prosperity of the two towns. He would now ask them to
drink 'Success to Hokitika-Grey railway' and would couple the toast with the
Hon the Premier to whom they were indebted for the completion of the line. Time
did not permit of very much being said but he was sure they would oil agree
with him that the line would be of the greatest good to both places. The Hon Mr
Seddon, who was received with cheers, said the time when Greymouth and Hokitika were separate communities had
passed away for ever. They were now united by a steel link which would last for
all time. In 1879 the construction of the line was commenced, a section being first
contracted for in Greymouth which always seemed to get a little ahead of the sister
town. At that time a Liberal Government was in power under Sir George Grey, a
Government that in addition to other good works bridged the rivers on the
Coast. Then came a change and the Hall, Whitaker and Atkinson Ministry came
into power. Following that was a feeling on the part of their southern neighbours
that it would be better to have a harbour constructed, and the money was spent
on harbour works. The Grey Government spent £16,000 on the line, and the next
Liberal administration, the Stout-Vogel Government, expended another £32,000.
Things were then allowed to remain in the same condition though at length the
Atkinson Government was induced to spend £14,000 on the section at the Teremakau.
This was the first recognition an Atkinson Government had extended to the line.
Then the Ballance Government came into office and in referring to his late honoured
chief he might mention that Mr Ballance had intended to be present at the
opening of the line but the ways of Providence were inscrutable and this was
denied to them. Still the Ministry remained for it was really the same Ministry
and he was now with them as Prime Minister. He could say that in his most
sanguine moments he had never hoped that the Premier would come from the West
Coast or that be would be honoured with such a position. At the same time he
felt satisfied that if the West Coast had supplied one or two more premiers the
country would have suffered no harm. When the present Liberal party came into
office they found £100,090 had been spent, all of which was producing nothing
whist culverts and bridges were rotting and rails rusting. They regarded it as
a partially completed line which required the expenditure of another £75,000 to
make the £100,000 reproductive and he claimed that the money was being well
spent. He referred to the assistance he had received from his fellow members)
first of all Mr Reid, then Mr Bevan and he had worked shoulder to shoulder. Mr
Bevan bad always opposed expenditure on the harbour as against the railway. Mr
Grimmond had also worked with him and Mr Guinness, their present member had
always worked most harmoniously with him, in fact the Coast representatives had
always been very united in their actions. Some croakers had said that the line
would not pay for axle grease but they seemed not to know that there were 9000
people living south of the New River who would supply plenty of traffic. They
had a promise of the support from the number of people travelling that day and
to provide arrangements they had the assistance of one of the Railway
Commissioners, Mr Maxwell, whom be desired personally to thank for coming, Mr
Hales, Engineer-in-Chief, Mr Rawson, Resident Engineer, the assistant engineer
and the staff of public works and railway officials. He had been blamed for keeping
back the railway for the deviation but they must now agree with him that the
railway was in the right place. By taking it to the top of the terrace on horse
could draw as heavy a load to Kumara as would require four from the beach. The
line was now completed and instead of a journey between the two places and back
occupying 2 or 3 days and costing about £3 it could now be done in an hour and
half. The cost of the line was £7200 per mile whilst the average for the colony
was £7800. The line from Hokitika
to Brunnerton would cost £250,000 whilst the 1860 miles in the colony cost 14¾
millions; with such a large expenditure they had no right to grudge the two
districts this line. He desired, on behalf of the Government, to tender their
thanks to their officers for the manner in which the work had been carried out.
A great deal of it had been done under the co-operative system and though the
wording of that system might cause some slight friction, these small
differences are soon forgotten. Ac soon as the stations are completed they would hand over to the Railway Commissioners.
He was glad Mr Maxwell was present at the opening and trusted the doubts that
previously existed in his mind respecting this line would disappear. He
heartily thanked them for the reception of himself and their expressions of
approval of the Ministry. A Government could only be a Government so long as it
retained the confidence of the people and it would be their aim to retain that
confidence (cheers). Mr Seddon then proposed the toast of the Mayors and County
Chairmen which was duly honoured and responded to. Mr John Bevan proposed
"Railway Construction and Maintenance" coupled with the names of Mr
Maxwell and Mr Hales. In doing so he dwelt upon the great benefits to be
derived from the line and mentioned that when in Dunedin Sir Harry Atkinson
admitted to him that one of the saddest sights he had seen on his recent visit
to the Coast was the evidence of a large expenditure on works which were lying
unutilised and going to ruin and he expressed his determination to have the
line completed as soon as he possibly could. Had he known the true position he
would have had it constructed years ago. Mr Maxwell said he was deeply
gratified at being present. The Hon the Premier had thanked him for coming but
he had to thank the Premier for affording him the opportunity of being present.
For 19 years he had been connected with the railways and had witnessed many
openings but none which were so gratifying. He was surprised at the district
and confessed he had not expected such magnificent support. He trusted when the
management of the railway was placed in the hands of the Commissioners it would
be found they had a due regard for the responsibilities placed upon them and he
understood that one of the greatest of these responsibilities was to endeavour
to foster and assist the industries of the country. Mr Hales also responded. Mr
Guinness proposed the toast of the Press which was duly honoured and those
present dispersed to seek seats in the return train.
The
Opening Ceremony.
To provide for the large number of excursionists from
the north as well as those returning to Hokitika
an extra train was put on which left a quarter of an hour afterwards fully 3000
persons being on board the two trains. The run down was made in the same time
as the up journey - two hours - and was attend by similar demonstrations of
good will on the part of the spectators along the line to which those on the
trains responded with vigour. On coming into Hokitika the triumphal arch erected across the line at the corner
of Weld and Fitzherbert streets excited general admiration whilst the tasteful
decorations at the entrance of the police enclosure and other adornments in
different places came in for their measure of praise. The crowds of people, the
plentiful display of bunting, and the abundance of ornamental trees all
combined to form a very attractive spectacle. The engine and carriages having
passed under the arch and broken the silken ribbon stretched, across the line,
the train was soon brought to a standstill and the Hon the Premier with Mrs
Seddon and other ladies, the Mayor, visitors, and a number of influential
residents ascended the platform when the Mayor called for cheers for Mr Seddon,
which were given with much enthusiasm, Mrs Seddon also being heartily cheered.
The Mayor read a telegram from Sir Patrick Buckley, regretting his inability to
be present and also from the Cabinet to the Premier congratulating him upon the
completion. He briefly referred to the benefit the district and especially the
Arahura and Kokatahi farmers would derive from the opening of the line and asked
the Premier to address the gathering. The Premier said he felt proud and glad
to be present on that occasion, The last time he addressed them in the open air
was at the last election and he little thought then that in so short a time he
would be addressing them as Premier of the colony. Since ascending the platform
he had received a telegram from Mrs Ballance and that had again brought to
memory how much they all had lost by the death of their late Premier. He paid a
passing tribute to the gathering before him and referred in feeling terms to
the old pioneers of the Coast and hoped the young men would be worthy children
of worthy parents. The isolation under which they had existed for so long had
been broken down by the band of steel which row united them to the north. He
referred to the expenditure which had been made from time to time and spoke of
the expenditure on the harbour which had proved such a failure. Why it was the
failure it proved was not for him to say, whether the fault of amateur engineers
or any other cause; he could at least safely assert that enough moneys had been
spent on the Hokitika river from
the early days to the present time to build the railway. The isolation in the
past had proved injurious to the place in many ways. The expenditure of
Hokitika money in the early days had made Reefton, but it had never benefited
by that expenditure owing to its isolation. That drawback had now been removed
and tourists would be coming here to see the beautiful lakes and other scenery
of the district. Besides the ranges being objects of beauty they possessed vast
mineral wealth which some time would make this one of the most prosperous
districts in New Zealand. Discoveries had recently been made, information of
which was now in the hands of the Government which left no doubt as to the
accuracy of this prediction. In the near future they could expect rapid
development of the timber trade and he believed that before long there would be
several sawmills between this place and Greymouth. Government had recently made
enquiries and found that West Coast timber could be landed at 2s per 100 feet
less than at Wellington, Lyttelton or Dunedin. He thanked them most heartily for
their reception of himself and for their cheers for Mrs Seddon; she had been a
true and loyal helpmate to him and but for her he would never have been
Premier. He could perhaps go further and say he doubted if those before him
really understood all they owed to their wives. Once more he thanked them. Mrs
Seddon then broke a bottle of champagne on the rails and declared the line open
an announcement which was received with renewed cheering. Mr Mandl, as chairman
of the Railway League, desired to express his thanks to the Hon Mr Seddon for
what he had done in getting the line constructed. He said if the Railway
Commissioners adhered to the schedule the line would not pay but if they
competed with the steamers it would be one of the best paying lines in New Zealand.
Mr Daly, County Chairman, also thanked Mr Seddon on behalf of the inhabitants
of Westland for his exertions. The gathering then dispersed, some going to the
Town Hall, to which place the Borough Council had invited a few residents, and
some of the visitors. The two return trains left in the evening, one at 5 and
one at 5.30, and a special train was sent through at 10 p.m. This concluded
what may be called a red letter day in the annals of this district.
Source : West Coast Times
15 Dec 1893 - Hokitika Crossing Accident
A very serious
accident occurred on the railway line yesterday at 2 o’clock at the Park Street crossing. Mr C Rugg was driving his four horse coach to
Kumara and had got half way across the line when the train coming into town and
proceeded by two trucks struck his vehicle.
The effect was marvellous. The
coach was shattered to pieces some of the fragments being carried several yards
away. A portion of the loading bounded
into the air from the shock and fell into the truck and Mr Rugg with it. Only one of the horses was injured and that
not seriously, at least at present it is not supposed the injuries will prove
of a serious nature. The leaders
galloped down Park Street
and were eventually secured, whilst the pole horses were led away. Grave fears were entertained as to Mr Rugg’s
condition but when the train was stopped he seemed to have escaped unhurt
though naturally a good deal shaken. The
escape is little short of the miraculous, had there not been a truck in front
on the engine the probability is that he would have been killed. Mr Lindemann, the driver of the engine, says
that he kept sounding the whistle as he came along and this statement is
corroborated by persons in the locality.
Mr Rugg says he never heard the whistle.
In any case the Park Street
crossing is a dangerous one. It is
almost impossible to see if a train is coming until the horses are abreast of
it and it is necessary to have some little speed on in order to surmount the
rise on the other side. In all
probability vehicles going north or coming from that locality will in future
choose the Hampden Street
crossing.
Source : West Coast Times
10 May 1894 - New Railway Station
Messrs Thomson (Resident Engineer) and
Mclntosh (Railway manager) were down on Monday and inspected the new Railway
Station, which is out of the contractors hands and has now been taken over by
the railway authorities; it was formerly taken possession of by Mr Falla,
stationmaster, yesterday afternoon. The building has a frontage to a platform
250 ft in length, also to a new street formed at the back, of 87 feet — and is
divided in rooms and offices. In the centre is a spacious hall 20ft by 20ft, in
which is the ticket office 10ft by 10ft, partitioned off by a handsome panel
frontage consisting of silver pine and beautifully polished rimu. On the
southern side of the hall is the Stationmaster's office 15ft by 10ft, parcels
office 15ft by 10ft, ticket office 10ft by 10, and a lamp and store room 12ft
by 10ft. The eastern portion consists of the gentlemen's waiting-room 20ft by
13ft, entered from the hall. The ladies waiting-room, also 20ft by 13ft, has an
entrance from the platform. Leading from this room there is a roomy lavatory
with water laid on and other conveniences. The ceilings throughout are lofty
(13ft 6in), and well ventilated and lighted by gas and three branch gas
chandeliers. By two substantial brick chimneys of 4ft foundation, 26ft in
height, all rooms and offices are supplied with fireplaces. A verandah extends
the whole length of the building and to the outer edge of platform, (16ft), and
is well supported by silver-pine posts and iron brackets. The lining of this,
(an addition to original intentions) is a great improvement on the bare rafters
and roofing, and finishes off a substantial and faithfully built structure. The
.work has been done en co-operative contract and reflects great credit on
Messrs J. C. Malfroy who supplied the timber, and Messrs Boyd, Debenham,
Williams, Goodrick, Gooch and Fowler, for the carpentering. Messrs Ross Bros,
were manufacturers of all doors, window frames, sashes, etc., which were turned
out in an excellent manner. Painting and varnishing forms no small part of the
work, which in the hands of Messrs J. Holmes, together with the lettering of Mr
H. Holmes has been carefully executed in a workmanlike manner. The plumbing
work by Mr Amberger, and gas-fitting by Mr Chamberlain have also been equally
well performed. Messrs Johnston & Co in supplying the material in ironmongery,
gas-fittings, have supplied genuine value in all respects. The Department are
indebted to Mr George Cooke, local architect, and Mr Edmund Wickes, overseer,
for the interest, energy, and attention to the fulfilment of a thoroughly
substantial completion. When surrounding conveniences (which are about to be
taken in hand) are completed, Hokitika station will be a creditable addition to
the town. An engine shed, 70 by 25, with two concrete pits has recently been
completed by Messrs Gibson & Co., and Pengelly & Co, constructed in a
like satisfactory manner. The goods shed, 60 by 40, which has been in use some
months has been frequently taxed for room, — and altogether the revenue has
exceeded anticipations; with one new sawmill and others likely to be erected we
may expect a fairly remunerative traffic.
Source : West Coast Times
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| A lot has changed since this photo of Dsc 2693 was taken with a short Number 6 shunt on 14 July 2003. Nowadays the shunt does not operate during the dairy off-season, the freight terminal has gone, as is the all other non-dairy freight traffic from Hokitika |
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| Dbr1213 pushes its load of empty wagons across SH 6 and down to the dairy factory on 11 September 2006 |
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| Muscle-power - Dc4542 Dxc5431 enjoying the Hokitika sunshine on 17 April 2012 |
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| Dc4876 and Dxc5419 pull away from the dairy factory on 9 April 2013 |
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| A gloomy and wet day - Dc4876 and Dxc5419 cross the Tudor Street Crossing on the way to Greymouth on the 24th of May 2013... |
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