2-981-908 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Cutting the First Turf of the Natal Government Railway at Durban, 1876. '...the first turf of the future system was cut by his Excellency Sir Henry Bulwer, Lieutenant-Governor of Natal, amidst great and universal rejoicing. The view we give...is taken from a photograph by Mr. Caney, of Durban. It represents the large crowd gathered around the triumphal arch [with 'God Save The Queen'] under which his Excellency cut the turf. Around him were gathered all the leading personages of the colony, together with Mr. Arnott Browning, the able and popular representative of the contractors. Behind may be seen a spacious gallery erected for the ladies. In the foreground appear the escort of mounted volunteers, and a motley crowd of Europeans, Africans, and Asiatics...About 4500 persons were present...the enthusiasm was unprecedented in the history of the colony'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.