From the early 1870s the New Zealand government encouraged the development of family farms in North Island bush districts by expanding the rail network and improving roading. The importance of the railway to a frontier district is shown by the large crowds that turned out in sodden weather for the opening. The background of burnt tree trunks is testament to the kind of land development that occurred in these areas.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Alexander Turnbull Library, James McAllister Collection (PAColl-3054)
Reference:
1/1-009815; G
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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