Clare Railway Centenary

Clare Railway Centenary - The first section of the Riverton to Spalding railway was opened at Clare on July 4 by the Governor. A large official party, including the Premier and all the Ministers, went up by special train in the morning, reaching Clare shortly afternoon, and the ceremony was performed on arrival. Free train rides to Clare were provided for children on the route of the line and the children at Clare were also given a free ride.

The Riverton-Spalding railway was authorised under an Act of 1913. Contracts were let for the construction of the line between Riverton and Clare in three sections, and the work was carried out by Mr. George Baxter, except for a portion done departmentally by the Chief Engineer for Railways. The length of the line opened last week was 28 miles 5 chains, and it cost £252,300. It is estimated that the total cost will amount to £286,300 when completed.

The children began the ceremony with "The Song of Australia" and "God bless our splendid men.'' The Minister of Railways (Sir Richard Butler,) invited the Governor to open the line. Ribbons of blue and old gold were held across the rails by his Excellency and Mr W. B. G. Lewcock, a veteran identity of Clare, who is popularly spoken of as "the father of the railway," the successful agitation for which he initiated some years ago. Cheers were given as a decorated engine, on the front of which the Royal Coat of Arms was emblazoned, steamed up