Tribute to Predecessors.

In addition to congratulating the Railway Department, Mr. Fraser said he desired to pay a tribute to the Government's predecessors in office for the part they had taken. The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates occupied a Ministerial position when the first step was taken in connection with the building, and the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes was Minister of Railways when part of the work was carried on. It was only fitting that the present Government should thank those who had commenced the work. “I do so,” said Mr. Fraser, “very heartily and very sincerely.” (Applause.)

The present Government, said Mr. Fraser, had shown its faith in the railway system by deciding to extend the system and complete the railways, work on which was temporarily stopped. They believed that the railway system had a great future, and were proud of the system and the men connected with it. Mr. Fraser referred to the many engineering difficulties which had had to be overcome in the building of the railways, and said that there was reason for self-congratulation on the railways by the people. But that did not mean that there was not room for improvement, and in that statement he would probably be supported by Messrs. H. H. Sterling (former chairman of the Railways Board), G. H. Mackley (General Manager), and E. Casey. Those now actively engaged in the railway management would bring that improvement about.

With the Minister of Railways, he congratulated the architect, the contractors, and every worker in the part they had played. He hoped that the station would be a monument of success

(Rly. Publicity photo.)
The first train to leave the new station. The Hon. D. G. Sullivan (right) and Mr. G. H. Mackley (left) of the microphones.

and a promise of still greater success. The transport question of the Dominion was not a simple one, and there were difficulties in regard to rail, road, water (and probably air) development, but it was apparent to all that nothing could be more futile and wasteful than senseless competition between the various forms of transport. The future would have to provide for some co-operation and understanding, and if that were done it would be a great contribution to the regulation and co-operative working of the transport of the Dominion.

He felt that all citizens had the right to feel that they were citizens of no mean city, and as a citizen of Wellington he was pleased to see the building. It was of importance to the whole of the Dominion, because it would be the hub of the railway service. “We have a station worthy of Wellington, and worthy of the capital city of the Dominion,” he said. “I wish the railway service and all connected with it the greatest possible measure of success.” (Applause.)