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First sod lifted on the main trunk railway

First sod lifted on the main trunk railway

This image was taken at the ceremony held on 15 April 1885 to mark the digging of the 'first sod' for the main trunk railway in Ngati Maniapoto territory. The group stands at the confiscation line at the southern bank of the Puniu River. Rewi Maniapoto, with a white beard and wearing a top hat, is in the centre behind the barrow. Immediately to the left is his daughter, Te Kore, and the bearded figure of Premier Sir Robert Stout is behind her.

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: 1/2-096175-G
Further information and copies of this image may be obtained from the Library through its 'Timeframes' website, http://timeframes.natlib.govt.nz
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

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How to cite this page: 'First sod lifted on the main trunk railway', URL: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/first-sod-lifted-on-the-main-trunk-railway, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 28-Mar-2008

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