The Argus at KellyGang 30/9/1876 (5)

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The completion of that line had also been important because it had inaugurated a system of cheap lines, by which means all parts of the colony had since been benefitted, and therefore, while many had been working for themselves, many had also been working for the whole of the colony. It was an acknowledged fact that railways were cheaper than roads; and it was the intention of the Government to carry out that policy. (Cheers.)

A large loan had already been authorised, and it was their intention to push on railway communication to other parts of the colony. (Cheers. ) By so doing they would increase the value of every acre of land, and make every acre available, and therefore make this one of the most prosperous and flourishing communities in the world. (Cheers.) When the metropolis of Victoria was connected with that of New South Wales sensible men would ask why several communities all speaking one tongue should not be made one Government. When it was possible to go by rail to Sydney or Adelaide that question would be a pertinent one, and he had no doubt the result would be the foundation of one dominion-that of Australia. (Cheers.)

Another cause of congratulation in connexion with this line was the engineering difficulties that had been overcome. His Excellency had already informed them that no line on the Continent bad such steep gradients except some of the Alpine lines. He could inform them that, with one exception on the Mount Cenis Railway, there was no gradient so steep as that over which they bad passed that day. Such a thing as taking a heavy train over such gradients as they had topped that day had never been done before, and the work therefore reflected great credit not only on the engineer-in. chief, but also on the contractors, (Cheers.)

The engineering difficulties were great, but still a large party had arrived that day in safety; this was very different from the time he could recollect, when the passenger fare was £12, and the journey took 48 hours, while the carriage of a ton of goods cost £200, and now it would be taken for as many shillings. He had to thank them on behalf of Sir James M'Culloch and his colleagues for the manner in which the toast had been received, and he could assure them that it was their desire to discharge their duties so as to command the goodwill and respect of the people. He believed they had done so - (cheers) - and while they continued in office, they would pursue the same course of action. (Cheers.)

In response to loud cries, Mr JONES said that it gave him great pleasure to be present at such a brilliantly successful affair as the present one. He quite agreed with all that had been said about the railway, and thought it reflected great credit on both the engineers who had designed it, and the contractors who had carried it out. During the time it had been in progress he had beard many discouraging remarks as to its future prospects, but he supposed the Beechworth people were confident of its success. No doubt eventually this line would be continued up the valley of the Ovens, when its value would be apparent. Facilities of communication caused people to travel, as was shown by the fact that whilst in England in 1835 there were 5,000,000 passengers by stage coach, there were lost year 500,000,000 passengers by railway.

Mr ZINCKE proposed the toast of "The Parliament" Messrs. ANDERSON and WALLACE, MLC's, responded on behalf of the Legislative Council. Mr LANGTON, MLA, replied on behalf of the Assembly, and expressed his belief that Parliament would proceed rapidly with the transaction of public business, and with the consideration of measures that were urgently required. He proposed the "Health of the engineer-in-chief, Mr Thomas Higginbotham," Mr. HIGINBOTHAM acknowledged the toast The proceedings then terminated, many of the visitors returning to Melbourne by the train at 8 o'clock.

THE BALL

In the evening, a ball was held in the new goods shed, which had been splendidly prepared for the event, and was taste- fully decorated. Nearly all the visitors who remained in Beechworth joined in the festivities, and there were between 200 and 300 ladies and gentlemen present. His Excellency attended, and opened the ball with Miss Horrocks, the daughter of the president of the shire. Dancing was kept up till a late hour, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. The Commissioner of Customs left by the evening train. The Governor and other members of the Ministry will return by the afternoon train to-morrow (Saturday).

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