The First Train to Coolgardie

The First Train To Arrive in Coolgardie
23rd March 1896 – A Pictorial Review

The arrival of the first train into Coolgardie, the Maori Chief, was a huge gala occasion and will serve to pleasantly carry back the thoughts of our readers to what must be regarded as one of the greatest events associated with these rich goldfields.

The Arrival of the First Train in Coolgardie

It is illustrative of the thousands who cheered the entry of the train into the town, and received with enthusiasm His Excellency Sir Gerald Smith and party, together with Sir John Forest and very many of the representative men of Perth.

The Maori Chief comes into view – Photo SLWA

“Living Picture” – is a view which speaks for itself. This local group of Aboriginal natives entered into the welcome with much spirit, and the group with the flags and decorations formed an interest montage.

A Living Picture – Photo SLWA

Railway Banquet Hall – The largest ever seen in W.A.— This image shows the interior of the very extensive hall specially erected for the banquet. The building was beautifully decorated, and when those present sat at the banquet, the scene was a most imposing one. The tables seated 540 people.

Railway Celebrations banquet hall seating 540 people -Photo SLWA

Railway Opening:  Governor Performing Ceremony, evidences the enthusiasm of the public when the Governor declared the line open for traffic. Every point of vantage was availed of by the people, and cheer after cheer greeted the act of his Excellency.

Opening Ceremony – Photo SLWA

Bicycle Corps, Railway Opening Demonstration. The scene depicted here was a particularly pretty one. The bicycles and their riders were a feature of the huge procession which was formed on the occasion of the railway opening ceremony, and the group in the picture is indicative of the extent to which the very useful machine is availed of on these fields.

Bicycle Corps, Railway Opening Demonstration – Image TROVE

Donkey Race, Railway Sports-  shows these handy little animals in line for a contest at the sports. It also serves to illustrate the sort of company many of the public will willingly be seen in when there is a camera about.

Starting post of the Donkey Race – Image TROVE

Decorations in Bayley Street—the concluding view shows the main street of that city looking westward. At the intersection of Bayley and Hunt (the Denver City Hotel on the right)  bunting was stretched across the street. The buildings would have been liberally decorated on the auspicious occasion had it not been for the danger of vitiating insurance policies.

Afghan Procession, Opening parade – Photo SLWA

Railway Opening Celebrations, Coolgardie – 23 Mar 1896 – Photo SLWA