Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Thursday 4 July 1850, page 2


THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN RAILWAY.

Yesterday the turning of the first turf of the first Australian Railway was accomplished, and the ceremony was performed by the daughter of the Governor of the colony, the Honorable Mrs. Keith Stewart — in spite of the rain, which certainly interfered much with the programme of the ceremonies.

From an early hour in the morning it was generally perceivable that the day would be wet; and yet, so strong was the interest ex-cited, that not less than 10,000 persons must have been assembled on the ground and in its immediate vicinity. Nearly all the public in-stitutions and shops were closed.

It is not our object, nor is it our province, to describe succinctly the arrangements of the fete; but we may be permitted to notice the admirable and elegant judgment displayed by Mr. J. C. White in the disposition of the tent in which the lunch was pro-vided, and the exceeding satisfaction that ap-peared to be afforded to all parties present. The tent and the grounds were decorated by Mr. Kidd, of the Botanical Gardens, and certainly his skill was never more necessarily and more happily called into requisition. The lunch was pro-vided by Mrs. Gill, and we have no hesitation in saying, that she did the fullest justice to the instructions of the Stewards. The tables laid out were seven in number, extending east and west, and were most inconveniently crowded. The wines, which were excellent, were supplied by Mr. S. D. Gordon.

The great majority of the Government officers attended, and we were happy to perceive a nu-merous addition of strangers, from the interior, who had visited Sydney with the intention of participating in this fete. The interest mani-fested by the public at large was also very great, as was evident from the immense crowds who maintained their ground for hours in the heavy rain.

Shortly after eleven o'clock, various lodges of Oddfellows and Foresters, accompanied by bands and banners, and all wearing the insignia of their respective order, began to arrive on the ground; and after marching round the enclo-sure formed a lane from the gate towards George-street. Had the weather been fine, it

was intended that the Directors and Stewards should have assembled at the bottom of the paddock, and on the arrival of the Governor and Mrs. Stewart have walked up to the ground, the different lodges falling in after them as they passed; but the inclemency of the weather prevented this, and his Excellency

did not leave his carriage until he arrived at the gate. About half-past twelve, a guard of honour, with the band and Queen's colours of H.M. 11th Regiment, arrived, and took up a position to salute his Excellency. There was a strong body of police on the ground, under the command of Mr. Day; but we are glad to hear that there was no disturbance requiring their

interference.

About one o'clock his Excellency arrived, and was loudly cheered. Mr. Lamb escorted Mrs. Stewart to the spot where the ceremony was to performed. The rain at this time poured down in torrents; but the ceremony was not delayed on that account.

The Surveyor of the Railway Company (Mr. Shields) having been formally introduced to

Mrs. Stewart by the President, then pre-sented her with the spade, with the following

address:

"It is the gratifying duty which devolves on me, as the Engineer of this Railway, to present you a spade, prepared from the productions of the colony, and with such skill as its artists could command, for your use on this occasion, — and to beg that it may be regarded, much less as being thought deserving of the hands for which it is designed, than as a token both of the estimation and regard of the colonists for the first Lady in their community, and of the sense which the Railway Company entertain of the fair and bright auspices under which the first Railway in Australia will be commenced

in her hands."

The spade was highly ornamented; the blade was formed of iron, from Major Lockyer's mine, in Argyle, and it was manufactured by Mr. Struth, of Sydney; it was inscribed with the Company's seal on the dexter side, and His Excellency the Governor's arms on the left, and underneath was the following inscription, engraved by Carmichael: —

This spade,

manufactured in

Sydney, New South Wales,

of materials indigenous to Australia, was used by

the Honorable Mrs Keith Stewart, daughter of

His Excellency Sir C. Augustus Fitz Roy,

Governor-in-Chief of the Colony and its Dependencies,

for cutting the first Turf of the

First Railway in Australia

at Sydney, on the 3rd July, 1850

The handle was formed of satin wood, beau-tifully engraved by Mr. Abraham, with an emu and kangaroo on each side of the handle opening, and inlaid with a circle of silver, on which was engraved the motto of the colony — Sie fortis Etruria Crevit. The shaft was of tulip wood, and at its junction with the blade the figure of a sheep was engraved.

The barrow was of cedar, highly ornamented and polished, and of very elegant appearance; it was made by Beaumont.

Both spade and barrow, but particularly the former, were much admired.

The Honorable Mrs Keith Stewart received the address and performed the duty imposed upon her with exceeding gracefulness. Mr. Charles Cowper, the Manager of the Company, then wheeled the sod away, and on his return addressed His Excellency and the assembled

Visitors as follows: —

The gratifying duty has devolved upon me of addressing at this stage of the proceedings of the day, a few observations upon this deeply interesting occasion, — an occasion so interest-ing that I cannot bring to my recollection ano-ther, which, as regards the moral and social advancement of the colony — can be properly compared with it. For four years and a half the friends to the introduction of railways into the colony have been struggling against diffi-culties and obstacle, at times apparently so overwhelming that the stoutest heart might well have shrunk from combatting them; and, indeed, the most enthusiastic and determined advocates for an improved means of transit must, long ago, have given up the project in despair, but for the promised aid and the en-couragement held out by the Imperial and local Government. These have enabled us to hold our ground, making occasional advances against opposition of a very malignant and un-scrupulous kind. While, however, we must not altogether forget our past difficulties — for the recollection may sometimes be useful to us — we would not at this moment at least, dwell upon them Steadfastly resolved to continue attached to the undertaking which promises eventually an ample reward for all the toil which must be bestowed upon it before it is carried to a successful termination, we shall en-deavour to keep steadily in view the transcen-dant advantages which must attend that result, as a means of supporting us when disheartened, — relying still upon the countenance and co-operation of the Government for the exercise of the same enlightened policy, without which it may with truth be said the work would never have progressed thus far, and upon which it must very much depend for future advance-ment. In respectfully tendering to your Ex-cellency the congratulations not only of the shareholders of this Company, but of the friends to the introduction of railways gene-rally, that your Excellency's administration will be distinguished by an improvement of

such vast importance, we trust that the recol-

lection that during the period of your Excellency's government, such a "na-

tional work was commenced and carried

through its earliest and most difficult stages with success, mainly by the influence of measures sanctioned by your Excellency, will

afford you lasting satisfaction. The benefits thereby conferred upon the colony will be held in grateful recollection, long after your Excel-lency shall have ceased to preside over us. We pray your Excellency to accept our thanks for your honouring us with your presence here to day; the value of which attention is en-hanced by the circumstance that your Excel-

lency is accompanied by one holding a place so high in your affections, that the compliment so justly due to you, of requesting you to turn the first turf, could be paid in her person more acceptably than by soliciting your Excellency

to do it.

A great deal of cheering accompanied both the actions and the speeches within the circle; but the weather was so unpropitious that an immediate rush was made to the tent after the conclusion of the ceremony, and the tables were crowded almost before his Excellency and the Directors could arrive to take their

seats.

On the right of his Excellency were seated, John Lamb, Esq., President of the Board of Directors; the Hon. Mrs. Keith Stewart, Mayor General Wynyard, Lady Stephen, the Colonial Secretary, Mrs. Plunkett, Mr. Justice Therry, Lady Mitchell, the Attorney-General, Mr. Merewether, and the Civil Crown Solicitor. On the left were, the Lady of the President (Mrs. Lamb), Sir Alfred Stephen (Chief Justice), Mrs. Deas Thomson, the Colonial Treasurer, Mrs. Therry, Mrs. Merewether, Sir Thomas Mitchell, Mrs. Perry, Mr. Cowper, Mrs. Barney, Major Singleton, Mrs. Moriarty. On the opposite side of the table we observed Captain Mori-arty (Harbour-master), the Solicitor-General, Miss Lamb, and the French and American Consuls, and Colonel Bloomfield, with many other ladies and gentlemen of distinction.

Refreshments having been partaken of by the numerous assembly Mr. Lamb, the President, arose and proposed the health of Her Majesty the Queen. (Great cheering) It mattered not in what portion of her Ma-jesty's dominions this toast was breathed, it ever brought with it the enthusiastic and affectionnte response of her subjects. Whether in the British Ides — under the snows of Nova Scotia — or in the tropical climate of India, her name was received with the same welcome, and was mentioned with the same blessing. It had been his fate to live during the reigns of four sovereigns of the British empire, but never had he witnessed the name of the monarch of the British empire acknowledged with that en-thusiasm which invariably accompanied the mention of her who now filled the British throne. It might be, that something of at-tachment to the lady mingled with loyalty to the Sovereign, and history gave them proof that this was not a mere modern feeling. But history also taught them, that the names of the Queens of England deserved respect and at-tachment. Under the lion-hearted sovereign — the last of the Tudors (Queen Elizabeth) — England had been enabled to humble the power of Spain, and to establish herself as the first naval power in the universe. No doubt, that the magnanimous words which the royal lady pronounced to her troops at Tilbury did animate the nation with the spirit and soul of the Sovereign till every port launched forth its puny barks to com-pete with and to vanquish the magnificent galleons of Spain. And while there the mari-time power of England was secured, and her glory made eternal under the sovereignty of Elizabeth, could it be forgotten that under Anne the famous victories of Blenheim and Ramilies, under Marlborough, established the superiority of British emprise on shore. Nor even now, even in great achievements like these, did the British empire lose its bright position. Under the reign of the present Queen, even the rebellious hordes of far Cathay had been taught the prowess of the British arm, by achievements which rivalled those of any of her predecessors. But it was not the military exploits which had distinguished the reign of Victoria to which he wished to direct their attention, it was to those peaceful conquests which, guided by science, had given her a wider and a more distant empire than any of her prede-cessors. Amongst these victories of science which illumined the reign of Queen Victoria, was the invention and establishment of the Electric Telegraph, which would of itself suf-fice to give notoriety and celebrity to her em-pire over the British dominions. Again, in the advance of sciences he might be permitted to allude to the recent completion of the Tubu-lar Bridge over the Menai Straits, a work which a like in its stupendous conception, and practical accomplishment excelled any thing which had occurred as to the enterprise and skill of Egypt or Rome. Her Majesty's earnest desire had been evinced on all occasions to promote works of this kind, and he believed she would feel gratified in the affectionate re-memberance of her name in so distant a portion of her dominions as Australia on an occasion of this description. He would not detain them longer on a theme on which they all felt warmly, and wished to give expression to their feelings. He gave them "The Queen," might she live long, and be ve-nerated and loved by her subjects in this colony, and long might that colony form an integral and loyal portion of her empire.

The toast was received with enthusiastic

cheers, which continued while the military band played the national anthem.

The President again rose and said, the next toast which it was his duty to propose, was one which usually followed on that which he had the honour of proposing a few moments ago. It would be out of place were he to dilate on the private virtues of Prince Albert, the amiable consort of their Queen. (Cheers.) But he did feel that he had a right, that he was bound to make some mention of the public encouragement which that distinguished personage had shown to every scientific pursuit. His desire was to promote every improvement which science contemplated. Not only by the assistance of his purse, but by his active personal interest, had he displayed his earnestness in the cause of science for the amelioration of the condition of his fellow-men. And such he was convinced would continue to be the circumstances of his conduct wherever his lot in life might be cast. So interested had Prince Albert shown himself in the formation of railroads, and encouraging them to the greatest possible extent, that he believed, that did a rail exist to girdle the earth, Prince Albert would have employed a special train and been amongst them that day. (Great cheers.) He proposed "the health of Prince Albert and the Royal Family."

The toast was enthusiastically received, and the band played Prince Albert's March.

The President said, the next toast he had to propose was one which he had not the slightest doubt would be received with the same favour with which the previous toasts

had been received. The toast was "the health of his Excellency Sir Charles Augustus Fitz Roy." (Great cheers.) He should not em-barrass his Excellency by adverting at any length to his virtues in private life, but ho might be excused, if, for a moment, he touched upon that public conduct which he believed had been fraught with so much bene-fit to the best interests of the colony. A more wise, a more beneficial administration of the Government had never existed than the pre-sent. On all occasions his Excellency had ear-nestly consulted the wishes and interests of the

colonists, and on all questions on which he had thought it necessary to communicate with the home Government, those wishes and those in-terests had been the leading objects of his care and attention. His Excellency had now been with them four years, but it was not by years that they must reckon his govern-ment. Years faded away, and were lost in the lapse of centuries; but events, great events, recorded themselves, and became fixed and im-mutable — epochs in the minds of men. It had been said that the great event of Sir Richard Bourke's administration had been the intro-

duction of Trial by Jury — that the government of Sir George Gipps had been distinguished by

the introduction of Representative Institutions — and the government of Sir Charles Fitz Roy would claim the pride of being that in which Railways were introduced into the colony. (Cheers.) His Excellency, he was aware, was not fond of long speeches, more particularly in reference to himself, but he called upon them

to do honour to the toast, which it was now his duty and his pleasure to propose.

The toast was drank amidst an uproar of applause — on the subsiding of which

His Excellency arose and said — he felt much honoured for the way in which his health had been proposed, and the very cordial man-ner in which it had been responded to. It gave him encouragement to persevere in the course of conduct which he had hitherto pur-

sued. Since the administration of the Go-vernment had been confided to his hands by his Sovereign, he had endeavoured to the ut-

most of his power to promote the interests and secure the affectionate loyalty of her subjects in New South Wales. For four years he had now pursued this course, and it was most gra-tifying to him to perceive that he retained the good-will and approval of the colonists. But while he said this, he must also add, that not to himrelf was due the credit of any of the measures of colonial policy which had distin-guished his administration. Their origin was to be traced to his advisers to the Executive Council of the colony, who, knowing its wants better than he did, with a wiser but not a more earnest desire to meet those wants, had advised these mea-sures, which he was happy to find had been approved by the community. He felt it to be a pride and gratification to him, that the first Railway in the Southern Hemisphere should be commenced in New South Wales during his administration: for he felt confident, that in-numerable blessings must arise from it, in a social, political, and moral point of view. Thanking the meeting again for the way they had honoured him on this occasion, he cordially returned them the wishes of health and pros-perity which were proposed in the toast. (His Excellency resumed his seat amidst great

cheering.)

The President said that the next toast which he had to propose was one which he was sure would have been received with satis-faction by every inhabitant of the colony if they could have been all assembled within the folds of that tent. — It was "The Army and Navy." He would not dwell at any length upon the merits of the service to which he him-self belonged — it would ill become a veteran of the days of Cornwallis, Collingwood, and Ex-mouth, to expatiate upon the service of the British navy. (Cheers.) As to the army, their deeds were recorded upon the colours of the various regiments. It was true that they had of late heard but little of this branch of the service, but this was because they had com-pleted the work which properly belonged to them. This work was to ensure the peace and security of the entire nation, and most effi-ciently had it been carried out.

The "Army and Navy" was then drank with the usual honours, the band playing "British Grenadiers" and " Rule Bri-tannia."

The Commander of the Forces begged leave in the name of the service to which he had the honour to belong, to return his most hearty thanks for the manner in which the last toast had been drank. He was most happy to be present on so important an occasion as that which had called them together, and which would bring forth the most important results by increasing the wealth, the prosperity, and above all, the happiness of the colony. (Cheers.)

Dr. Reid, R.N., returned thanks on behalf of the Navy.

The Governor said that he had now to pro-pose a toast, which he mentioned with the most lively satisfaction. It was "The success of the Railway." In proof of the advantages result-ing from works of this description, they had only to look at the result of such works in the older countries of the world. In those coun-tries, although possessed for the most part of good water communication with their interior districts, and with equally good roads by land, railways had still been found of very great advantage. How much more beneficial, there-fore, must they be in a country like this, which was wholly destitute of internal water commu-nication, and in which the natural features of the country and the scattered position of its population, prevented the formation of good roads. (Cheers.) He was sure, therefore, that all present would join with him not only in drinking the prosperity of the Railway, but in welcoming with hearty cheers the announce-ment of this toast. (Cheers.)

The toast was then drank with loud and pro-tracted cheering, the band playing the celebrated Railway Gallop, which was repeated on the call of the company.

Mr. Cowper rose to reply, and was received with great cheers. He thanked them for the honour they had done the great institution of which he stood forward as the representative on this occasion, and, in doing so, he might say that that compliment could hardly be fully appreciated by any one excepting himself and his hon. friend the Speaker of the Legislative Council. They were the first, the only persons, who at one time had taken any interest in this great question. His hon. friend and himself had laboured when no one even ventured to antici-pate the introduction of railroads into the colony. For four years they had unceasingly laboured in this vineyard, and now they had the gratification of seeing their affairs wear the favourable aspect they now presented. But it was only matter of justice for him to say, that it was to the hon. the Speaker that the

credit was due of first moving in

this matter. To his acute perception of the advantages which would be derived from it — to his active energies, to his persevering encouragement, were they indebted for their present position. He was appointed the Chairman of the first Survey Committee, and had only handed over the duties entrusted to him from the belief that his other duties would not enable him to discharge them so faithfully as a less occupied mind might. He was glad to see the honorable gentleman present on this occasion. He was proud to render to him this tribute — poor as it might be — for encouraging the greatest enterprise that ever occupied Aus-tralian genius. In the present state of the colony, shut out as it was from any internal traffic or communication by water, he could only look upon the obstacles thrown in the way of the formation of railways, as the designs of either those who knew not, or who were opposed to, the interests of the co-lony. Some there had been even found to interpose in the progress of this great national improvement, but he was justified in likening them to the obstructionists of England — described in the emphatic words of Mr. Macauley as "the fools" of the Mother Country. (Cheers.) After this demonstra-tion however, he hoped that no one would look down on this feature in Aus-

tralian enterprize — that no one would dare to scowl on those whose hearts were engaged in it. But the proud position they at present occu-pied was owing to the countenance that had been afforded to them by the local government. But for this circumstance they could never have overcome the difficulties that were op-posed to them — could never have triumphed over the malignant opposition which had been displayed. But from this day he trusted that opposition would be discountenanced — that it had been sufficiently shown that this enterprize had enlisted public support and public sympathy and therefore was deserving of renewed countenance on the part of the Government. By some of the op-ponents of railway institutions in the colony, it had been said that these institutions were not desirable, and if desirable, that the colony could not afford the labour, the capital, and the skill to carry them into operation. After this project had been in contemplation six years, he thought it was amply shown that the colonists had the means to carry out a scheme which would be both useful and profitable to them-selves and the country. It was imperative that they should have roads of some sort, and the very expense of keeping common roads in repair, was greater than what would be the cost of introducing railways. Let them look at what had been done in America by the intro-duction of this system — let them glance over the enormous extent to which commercial and social interests have been promoted by it in that great country. It was a fact not generally known, perhaps, that a portion of land, comprising a radius of 140 miles, including the city of Sydney, was occupied by above half the whole population of the colony. If, then, in this sterile district so much good might be effected, why delay the opportunity of doing it. Once establish

these railways in the county of Cumberland — to Windsor on one side, to the Cowpastures on the other, and the great scheme of internal

communication would be commenced. Then for the first time would they have an interior to the colony, worthy of its out-ports — an interior, to the resources of which they could look with confident reliance. He wished not to see the inland districts of the colony remain a wilderness. By the successful completion of this enterprize, they would be enabled to populate the desert — to create a civilized com-munity in the wild and unpopulated parts of the colony. Then, too, the interior of the

colony might be represented by members from the interior instead of the Sydney representa-tion they possessed at present. They might then come to Sydney to perform their legisla-tive duties, but still have it in their power oc-casionally to visit their families, and attend to their domestic affairs. It had been said that the colonists were not able to carry this enter-prise out. It might be so, but he did not be-lieve it; but at all events lot them in the first place do what they could for themselves, and when they showed such disposition, eagerly would England come forward to help them. With his honorable friend the President he hoped that the connection between the colony and the empire would long be preserved; but let them, in the exercise of a true British spirit, do all that in them lay to help themselves. If the English people saw a large body of colo-nists conjoined in carrying out this enterprise, then would they heartily second the encou-ragement which had been so liberally afforded by his Excellency and the Executive Govern-ment of the colony. (Cheers,)

The President said, that he had now to pro-pose a toast of that class which was always received with enthusiam, wherever Englishmen were assembled — it was "The health of the Honorable Mrs. Keith Stewart, and the Ladies of the Colony." (Cheers.) To the lady whose name was especially mentioned in connection with the toast, they were most deeply indebted, for having come through (what was most un-usual in Australia) a most inclement day, to assist in the commencement of this great work. To the numerous assemblage of ladies, whom he saw around, they were also greatly indebted, for having graced that assemblage with their presence. When the fair sex were seen to take a deep interest in the progress of any undertaking, he knew enough of human nature to be quite confident that the gentlemen would follow in their wake. (Cheers.) He felt that he was unequal to the task of proposing this toast, but he did not re-gret it, because he was sure that many were ready to start to their feet for the purpose of doing it honour. Surrounded as they were with the bright jewels from their Father-land, and the blooming flowers of Australia, there were few, if any, who could resist the feeling of inspiration with which he was at that moment animated. Although "his limbs were old" he could not say yet that "his breast was cold" when he performed the grateful task of propos-ing — "the Honorable Mrs. Keith Stewart, and the Ladies of the Colony."

This toast was drunk with great enthusiasm, the band playing " Here's a health to all Good

Lasses."

The Governor claimed the privilege of re turning thanks on behalf of Mrs. Keith Stew-art, whose name was coupled with this toast. The other ladies he was sure would acquit him from all suspicion of a desire to undervalue their beauty or their worth, by not including them in his response to the toast, for he saw many younger men around him who were equally ready and more fitted to the perform-ance of this grateful task.

Mr. S. A. Donaldson (responding to a very

" .icral cr." Ai m I 'uks on behal ' -1 the NJlies :n general) said that if there wa* .:',.,

moi.iCnt in the miserable life of a bachelor the ' present was one of those moments of delight.

(Laughter and cheers.) He would not pre , sume to Rcy much with reference to the Hon. I Mrs. Keith Stewart ; but he would beg them

to bear in mind the inclemency of the weather, and the many other difficulties which this Lady had had to contend with in the performance of the task which that Lady had taken upon herself, and then to remember how kindlj', how considerately and how gracefully that task had, in spite of all these difficulties, been performed. (Cheers.) When the Railway which had now been com-menced should be fairly established-when by its assistance they should be able to receive fat baeves from the Lachlan and fat wethers from the Murrumbidgee-when by a rapid and re-gular communication with the more elevated regions of the south, the gooseberry, the cur-rant, and other fruits which were plucked in the morning would be used nt the dessert in the afternoon-when over the ground on which they then stood, carriage after corriage and truck after truck would convey their precious burthens to the great capital of the Australian colonies -it would assuredly be rem»mbercd that part of the soil had been dug and part of

the actual work performed by those fair hands. ' (Loud cheers.) On behalf of the colonial | ladies generally, he returned their most hearty and sincere thanks, They all remembered, doubtless, the glowing words of the poet Tom Moore, in which he claims for his country-women of the Irish nation the palm of being unsurpassed in their domestic excellence. He was inclined to agree with this opinion of the poet, but he was quite sure that the ladies of Australia, if they were equalled by those of another part of the globe, were surpassed by none. (Cheers.) He had lived long enough to observe them as maids, as wives, and as mo-thers, and he boldly affirmed that in each cha-racter they might bear with honour n compa | Tison with any country on earth. (Cheers.) i It was truth that he was himself a bachelor,

but if it rested with him he would not be in this unhappy position for twenty-four hours longer. Ihe reason which had made him one ' for so long a period was one which they would

scarcely guess. It was his extreme modesty. (Cheers and laughter.) He was bo fearful of being refuses that he waa afraid to aík the all important question. He should always, how-ever, be as happy as he then felt if called upon to return thanks on behalf of the ladies of Austra-lia. (Cheers.)

The President said that the next toast on the list was one which it gave him extierne pleasure to propose. It was the health of the Colonial Secretary and the Civil Officers of the colony. (Cheers.) From nil those gentlemen of the civil seivice in this colony with whom the duties of the directors had brought them in contact, they had received the moBt r»ady and cordial assistance m the per-formance of their labours. To Sir Thomas Mitchell, the Surveyor General of the colony and to the officers attached to his department, the thank* of the Company were especially due. and indeed from every public officer with whom the Directors or the able Manager of the Company had had to communicate, they had met with nothing but courtesy. But to the gentleman whose n»me was placed at the head of this toast they were especially obliged. He should be wanting in his duty to himself, to his brother Directors, and to the shareholders in general, if he omitted to acknowledge that to the energy of Mr Thomson their success in this important work was mainly attributable. From the time that this measure was initiated to the present hour he had stood their friend. (Hear, hear.) When their warmest sup-porters desponded, and those who were luke-warm in the cause were inclined tojdespair, his honorable friend cheered them on their way and urged upon them not to despair. (CheerB ) But for the zealous assistance of the Colonial Secretary they would never have attained the position which they then occupied in the pro-gress of this work.

This toast was drunk with prolonged cheer ing, the band playing, " For he's a jolly good

fellow, "

The Colonial Secretary rose to return his most sincere thanks for the honour which had been conferred upon the officers of the civil Government and himself. Ihe distinguished compliment, gratifying in itself, had been made more gratifying by the way in which it had been rendered. But while he received this com-pliment with gratitude, it was only just in him to state, that wffatever the acts of the colonial Government might have been, they were the offspring of the instructions of Earl Gr<jy and

the Colonial Office at home. (Cheers.) But,) independently of this support, he believed that the advantages which must accru* to the co-lony from the introduction of a system of rail-ways, were too manifest not to have induce d his Excellency and his advisers to give their support to an enterprise like this, which he fervently hoped might be carried to a successful issue. With regard to himself he might say, that he had been ever an enthusiast in the cause of steam, as one of the great meanB of the advancement of society. ' Perhaps, in regard to this great social agent

( for such he must call it-he might be allowed Ito quote a passage from a celebrated writer. That passAge was as follows :

It has been said that Mr. Watt was the preat improver ¡ of the steam engine: but m truth, os to all tliitt is ad.

miruble in its structure, or vast in its utility, he should | rather be described »s its inrentor. It »as hy his inv*-n- i tiona that its action whs en regulated us to tnxke it ca-pable of bting applied to the finest und most delicate.

manufactures, and Its power so increased as to set weight and solidity at defiance l)v his admirable con trivances, it has beeomo a tiling stupendous alike tor its force nnd its flexibility-for the prodigious power which it can exert, mid the caso mid precision and ductility, with whioh it cnu bo varied, distributed and applied Ino trunk of an ele phant that can pick up a pin, or bend an onk, is nothing to it It can ongcoss a deed, and crush masses of obdurate metal like wax before it-draw out, with out breaking a thrund as duo us gossamer, and lift n ship of war like a bauble in tin - It can embroider muslin nnd forgo anchors-cut stcol into ilhbnuls,

and impel loaded vessels against the fury of tin winds

nnd waves

It has increased indefinitely the mass of human com-forts and enjoyment» and rendered cheap and nctessi bit. all orer the world the materials of noalth nnd prosperity It bas armed tho (coblo hand of mau, in short, with a power to which no limits can be assigned, completed the dominion of mind over tho most rtfnic tory qualities of matter, and lal 1 n suro foundation for all those future miracles of mechanic power which aro to aid and reward the labours of ufter generations

These eloquent remarks, were, it must be remembered, written before steam was applied to locomotion, and whatever advantages might have been afforded to other countries by its np plication in this sh ipe, at least the benelits it could confer on this colony were not inferior -Ile thought that this mighty enterprise would be carried out, and he believed that through its connecting influence the continent of Aus

tralia would be united and consolidated Hint the capital of the prownce which it was pro proposed to erect into a distinct colony, under the honoured name of Victoria, would, through its aid bo eventually placed within twelve hours communication with the metropolis of New South Wales In England, through the agency of steam this speed had been accomplished, the 600 miles that sepnrated them might be accomplished in that time It wis not desirable that this speed should be accom-plished at once, but it would eventually bo come the ordinary rate. He felt that on introducing railway institutions into the colony they ought to follow the example of America, rather than that of England, whose larger CRpi

tal, and superabundance of labour dissimilated from this colony Before he sat down, he had one task to perform, a most pleasurable one It was, to propose the health of the chairman and the directora of the compnny. To their great practical experience, knowledge, and eVill, he believed the colonj was indebted for the establishment of the first Railway Com-pany, and he therefore, most cordially pro-posed their good health

Mr. Lamb said, that this was the only toast upon which he felt some embarrassment. As he had, perhaps, trespassed already too long upon their attention in the somewhat length-ened speeches which he had felt himBelf called upon to address to them, ho would not detain them by an address at any length with refe-rence to this toast He was much obliged to his honorable friend, the Colonial Secretary, for the manner in which his own name had been mentioned in conjunction with those of his brother Directors, and he muit say that their work had been somewhat up-hill Iheir locomotive had hitherto been dragged up an inclined plane, but he trusted that they had now arrived at the summit, and that in future they would go smoothly and pleasantly along He should be wanting in his du / however if 1 _ ítted ti declare that the sutcesB of this gre *indert<>king was owing to the masterly ability, the r- ' *uous labor, and the great talent of ' iger, who for three years had laboui t its promotion (Cheers.) The advanttges of the weighty undertaking which they had just commenced had by no meanB been over-rated m the address of the honorable gentleman who had just spoken to them , and he would repeat, that had it not been for the able assistance of that gentleman it woul 1 have been impossible to have brought this work to its present stage of advancement Through evil report, and good report, he had stood their friend, and it waa to his aid that the support which they had that daj received was mainly to be attributed. Another year he hoped would not elapse bofore a locomotive passed over the spot on which they then stood.

Mr. Donaldson claimed the attention of the President for a short time, for the purpose ol introducing a deputation from certain societies, representing virtually the operative classes The gentlemen assembled round the table might be the capitalists , but these vere the thews and sinews by whose power the work of the Railway would have to be carried out,

Four officers of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, and of the An [ cient Order of Foresters, were then introduced,

and one of them read the following address -I May it please your Excellency,-W e, the loyal sub

jeets of lier Majesty the Queen, members of the Independent Order of Odd bellows ot the ¡Manchester Unity in company with tho mem

bcrs of the Ancient Order of torestors, do most humbly present ourselves betöre you to ac-knowledge tho favour you liavo conferred this day by honoring us with your presence We hail with delight tbo commencement of ti o first Railway in Australia, and we look forward to tho day ere long when we shall reap the advantages wo so anxiously nish to eiijov U Is the unanimous wish of every member ot the abovo Orders that this groat undertaking should meot with success M o therefore wish to give every encouragement to it that lies in our power It will bo in the history of the colony one of the most momorable days,-the first turf has boon turned, an 1 Uko the first drop of water which breaks through the dam, others will follow ne look forn ard to the day when this one drop cf water will lead onto a mighty stre un, from which we shall be refreshed by

the abundanro of the necessaries of lifo

To tho Uonorablo Mrs. Keith Stewart-We do also most humbly beg to offer you our congratulations, however simple the ceremony may appear. Wo feel that a greater impetus to the advancement of this undertaking haB boen given bj your consenting to turn the first turf. Anxiously have many laboured in tho cause of the railway, and we feel there will be many more labourers yet in the field, when so good an exumplo has been given bj yourself. Tho undertaking wants but en-couragement, and it will bo accomplished in due time Our manufactures will increase, and the colony will

flourish as tliat progresses.

Une tune is f»bt approaching when Australia will, by her arts, manufactures, and agriculture, render herself .n independent colony. Hy oponlng easy intercourse with the interior, her resources will be devclopod, and her produeo brought into fair competition with the produco ot other countries; her productions at the pre-sent time gi» o us eucoursgemont that ero long she will

stand second to none.

We therefore humbly beg you will accept our hearty thanks and that during your stay with us you will give encouragement to our exertions ; by so doing yon will earn for yourself tho good wishes of every loyal subject.

To the Oiiectors and the Sturturds of the Hallway Company.-We beg to offer you our most sincere thanks for the handsome and liberal manner you have acted towards us, as a body, on this occasion. We wlsli you every sucoess j ou wish yourselves ; and we only regret that more notice of your intention wus not given, we might then hate rendered you moro service ; as it is, you must take the will for the deed. "*

You have now commenced this great work, the ad-vantages to bo denred from which time will prove. But have courage-go on, and prosper ! You have ovorcomo many difficulties, and you will lune many more to surmount By patience and perseverance you will overcome thom all,-determined to conquer, you

»ill bo left masters of the field. " Yo shall reap if jo

faint not."

We therefore beg" you will accept this Address, ^»ud hope.thntihe day is not fur distant when we shall con-gratulate you on the starting of the first train.

The Governor thanked the deputation for the address which had just been presented, as well as for the assistance which they had ren-dered in preserving order and adding dignity to the great festival which had brought them

together.

Mr. Lamb, on behalf of the Directors, also retu n d thanks to the deputation, and ex-pressed his regret that the arrangements for the accommodation of the bodies whom they repre-sented had not been more complete. He fully appreciated their kind wishes, and concurred entirely in the opinion of the honorable gentle-man who had introduced them, that the classes represented by this deputation were the thews and sinews of the social fabric. It was most desirable that all classes of the Australian public should view this enterprise with favour, and he hailed with satisfaction this evidence ol approval on the part of bodies so numerous and important. The deputation then retired. j

Sir Alfred Stephen snid that there was one other to.nt which ought, it hid been suggested to him, to be proposed on this occasion. The company assembled around him ought not, he thought, to separate without drinking the health of Mr. Charles Cow-per, the Manager of the Companj'. (Cheers.) He would not, as an humble shareholder, have intruded himself upon their notice, but it had been suggested to him that this toast ought to He proposed, and he had great pleasure in pro-posing it, although he regretted that the task had not been confided to sn abler hand. He <»ould not detain them by entering upon the praises of Mr. Charles Cowper, partly because he »as proud to rank that gentleman among the circle of his immediate friends, but princi-pally because Mr Cowper's character and con-duct were such as to require no praise from any one. ("Cheers.) He would not detain them

j by any lengthened remarks, but he might, I perhaps, be forgiven for expressing his heart 1 felt wish for the success of the undertaking which had just been commenced, and his con

trence with the previous speaker», »..",,, vast importance to the country Whether,

garded in respect to the design itae'f i0 ,í* t'sçt of country which Us ooeration, JZ embrace; to the resources which it Zm develop , or to the many mterctp, both mat»

rial and socinl, which it would promote Z, undertaking was worthj of the nren est s«

couragement which could bo afforded to it t, wasanhonoui to be eng«Ked in any aluce ii such a work, and he (Sir Alfred Stephen) felt honoured by even taking euch a rmn " the proceedings at its commencement i8no" fell to his lot Within a few years the, would probably be all assembled on the same srJZ celebrate the full and triumphant accomplish. ment of the undertaking which had now ni been commenced The stewards on ihn nee

sion would probably be the same who olhciatrt at the present timo, and he would sub«« ," them a programme worthy of such consurarna lion He would propose that after assemblil for refreshments at the terminus they shoulS proceed to Camden, m order to take wine anrt fruits, and that they Bhould return to coff., and to the ball and supper m which the, families could participate (Cheers )

Tho health of Mr Charles Cowper was then drunk with loud and prolonged cheers.

Mr CowrpR, m returning thanks remarked that it was such encouragement as the\ had received on tho present occasion that induced the promoters and directors of this undertnkioi to look only on the agreeable side of the task which they had to perform, and to forset its difficulties It was Sir lifted Stephen he must remark, who would be enabled to look back with the greatest satisfaction upon the success of the undertaking, for that honourable gentleman was tho pro rictor of tho first Railway shares issued m New South Wales (Cheers ) When the whole under taking was jeered at and found favour but in somo five or six individuals, Sir Alfred Stephen gave it his countenance nnd supper!

and his name would stand for ever on record on the books of the Company as their earliest patron For himself (Mr. Cowper) he must say that ho had laboured night and day, and had travelled thousands of miles to promote the success ef this work, but ho was amply re-warded for all hiB labors by the palpable encouragement which it had now received (Cheers )

Mr Tustice TiienRY said, that though un. e\pectedly called upon to propose a toast, he was not quite so wanting in words, or deficient in sentiment as not to propose with suitible acknowl»dgment the toast entrusted to him The " Hei'th of the Stewards" was one that required no eloquent enforcement from mm It was a toast that carried its recommendation in its baro announcement As all matters connected with the Railway possessed in-terest on such a day as the present

he might he permitted to say, that it was now mst a vear ago, since he had the honor of ai interview with Eui Groy, who, m the course of conversation, inquired of him if he (Mr T ) believed the peoplo of Australia were in Lames' about the establishment of railways Kn >mng the persons by whom the business had been taken up, he ventured to assure Ins lordship that ho vas quite satisfiel of their determination to establish them Whereupon his lordship said " I am dolighted to hw it " (Hear, hear ) He (Mr T ) now congratulated them on the realization of hiB ojBurance, and of the ful-filment of the delight which His LorrWnp oxpressed, and which he, no doubt, would feel when an account of this day's procedí igs reached him To return to the toast,- 1 e said that the Stewards had a difficult duty to per-form, and they performed it most edicient!)

The scene around them was an evidence of their deserts (Hear, hear ) Under t!i"ir auspices a mont handsome entertnmment lind been prepared, and the hospitalities of the dsy nobly dispensed Amongst their merits, in this season of financial dilhculty they had ben liberal promoters of the circulating medium, which he would not obstruct or impede bv further observations, but miite them to drink m a well-merited bumper, " The health of the

Stewards "

This toast having been drank with the usunl

honours,

Mr. Thomas Barker returned thanks.

Mr. Cowper begged to propose the health of Mr, J. C. White, to whose great attention, he said, so much of tho success which had attended the present demonstration was owing, although he admitted the justice of the compliment which had been paid to the stowards, and the great credit which was due to Mrs. Gill for the manner in which the more material part of the festival had been arranged.

The toast was drank with the usual honors.

Dr. Douglass regretted that among the list of toasts one of the most important had been omitted, and to remedy this omission he would beg to propose the health of Mr. Shields, the engineer of the Company. (Cheers.) When to great zeal in the cause, was added high talent, as was the case with this gentleman, the interest of the shareholders, and of the colo-nists in general, would be sure of advance-ment ; and it would ill become them not to pay this tribute to his worth.

Mr. Lamii remarked, that all the officers o( t'le Company had been advisedly exempted from peculiar honor in the original programme, upon the ground that it would not be fair on the part of the Directors to propose a laudation of its own officers. He was most happy, how-ever, to accord his meed of praise to the gentle-

man alluded to.

The toast having been drank with the usual

honours.

Mr. Shields briefly returned thanks.

The company in the tent then separated ; mid in consequence of the inclement state of the weather the spectators in the adjacent grounds speedily dispersed.

We omitted to mention, that the marquee in which the lunch was held was formed of two tents, kindly lent to the Company by the Hor-ticultural Society._