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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 1 (May 1, 1928)

[section]

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).

At The Inception Of The Work. The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates (then Minister of Public Works) with Col. Greenhough (in charge of the contract).

At The Inception Of The Work.
The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates (then Minister of Public Works) with Col. Greenhough (in charge of the contract).

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.