Turning the first sod - North Island main trunk line

On 15 April 1885 the first sod of the central section of the main trunk was turned near the Puniu River, south of Te Awamutu, by Premier Robert Stout (seen here standing on the end of the plank) and the Ngati Maniapoto leaders Wahanui Huatare (standing directly behind the wheelbarrow) and Rewi Maniapoto (on the right, in a black jacket and top hat). Wahanui scooped some earth into the ornamental barrow – 'emblazoned with portraits of North American Indians, in default of Maoris' – and the soil was wheeled off and dumped by the premier. The sods were whisked away by souvenir hunters.