Canterbury roundabout. 1957-11-19. No. 311, Laying railway foundations.

Rights Information
Year
1957
Reference
33352
Media type
Audio
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Rights Information
Year
1957
Reference
33352
Media type
Audio
Series
D series, ca. 1935-1950s.
Categories
Nonfiction radio programs
Radio programs
Radio speeches
Sound recordings
Special events radio coverage
Duration
00:34:13
Credits
RNZ Collection
Gandell, A. T., Speaker/Kaikōrero, New Zealand Railways
Macfarlane, Robert Mafeking, 1901-, Speaker/Kaikōrero
Nash, Walter, 1882-1968, Speaker/Kaikōrero, New Zealand Labour Party
Graham, Mr., Speaker/Kaikōrero
McAlpine, John Kenneth, 1906-1984, Speaker/Kaikōrero
3YA (Radio station : Christchurch, N.Z.), Broadcaster

This edition features narration and speeches from the laying of the foundation stone of the new Christchurch Railway Station on Moorhouse Avenue.

An unidentified broadcaster describes the scene for the laying of the foundation stone. The General Manager of New Zealand Railways, A. T. Gandell, talks briefly about the history and heritage of the rail transport industry and it's significance to Christchurch. He then introduces the Mayor of Christchurch, Robert MacFarlane.

Mr MacFarlane echoes A. T. Gandell's sentiments. Robert McFarlane introduces the Leader of the Opposition, Walter Nash. Nash delivers his speech. Also, the building's contractor, Mr. Graham, introduces the Minister of Railways, John McAlpine, who delivers a speech. McAlpine gives a history of rail in Canterbury and talks about the future of rail in New Zealand (he suggests that locomotives could become nuclear-powered in the future).

His speech is concluded in part three. Also, in part three, John McAlpine lays the first foundation stone of the new railway building and announces that a time-capsule has been placed underneath the stone.