The Railway Opening Celebrations

Part of Tauranga, taken from the Redoubt, on the day of the Railway opening
Real photo postcard-format print by unidentified photographer
Collection of Justine Neal

March 28^th 1928 dawned bright and sunny and Mr. B.C. Robbins, Secretary of the Railways Celebrations Committee, must have breathed a sigh of relief, as all the months of planning for the big day were about to come to fruition. Apart from the large numbers of local and upcountry residents expected there was an impressive official party including the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable J.G. Coates, arriving by train from Hamilton at 11 am. Months had gone into arranging a programme that would have something for everyone and leave people with memories of an entertaining and exciting day.

All vehicle access would be stopped on the Strand from the Triangle to Harington Street from 9 am to 11 pm. The Strand was to be decorated with coloured streamers and brightly lit electric lamps. All launches along the waterfront were to be lit up, as well as many of the public and private buildings. The fountain near the old wharf was to be set going again. Swimming sports were to be held under electric lights and a concert party would be performing.

Band playing at the opening of the railway, Tauranga, 1928
Copy print by unidentified photographer
Courtesy of Tauranga City Libraries, Pae Korokī Ref. Photo 00-412

The Tauranga Band, the Te Puke Band and the Judea Maori String band had all offered their services. School children would be given a holiday and children from Waihi to Taneatua were to have free train travel to Tauranga. Tickets for the celebratory luncheon were to be sold prior to the event. Children had to bring their own lunches, although hot water, milk and fruit would be provided.

A hangi was to be put down on Devonport Road. Local Maori were to give haka and poi dance exhibitions at the Domain. There would also be stalls there and in the afternoon children’s sports were to be held, with 10 pounds allocated for prizes. The Borough Council had been requested to arrange free picture entertainment for the children at the Town Hall. The public were asked to wear fancy dress with a prize for the best dressed lady and gentleman. There would be a procession of decorated lorries, cars, bicycles, motorbikes and horse drawn vehicles with prizes for the best decorated.

The Strand, Tauranga, from the Redoubt on railway opening day, 1928
Copy print by unidentified photographer
Courtesy of Tauranga City Libraries, Pae Korokī Ref. Photo 00-469

The Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club had arranged a race, which would be for the seven-footers only, because of the limited time available. The Tauranga Cycle Club would hold three races during the day. There would be a sprint, a longer race starting at the Tauranga Hotel, along the Strand, then Devonport Road, First Avenue and Cameron Road turning at Eleventh Avenue and back to the starting point. The third race would be an obstacle course, and trophies would be awarded for each race.

Last but not least several sportsmen visiting Tuhua were to be asked to bring swordfish and mako over to Tauranga. These were to be kept in a freezer and on the day of the opening to be brought out and placed on exhibition. Maybe not such a good idea!

Reference

Papers Past, Bay of Plenty Times, March 1928