2-982-427 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Turning the First Turf of the Ceylon Railway, 1858. Engraving from a photographs by Mr. Parting, of a ceremony performed '...by his Excellency Sir Henry Ward, the Governor of the Island. The gentleman standing at the wheelbarrow with the blade of the mammotie (hoe or spade) resting on his arm is Sir Henry Ward. Next on his left is General Lockyer; to his left is Mr. W. T. Doyne, the chief resident engineer; and the gentleman in uniform immediately behind Mr. Doyne is Mr. G. Cumming, the Railway Company's agent in Ceylon. Immediately to the Governor's right is the Bishop of Colombo; and near him are several members of the Legislative Council of Ceylon...Bishop Chapman implored the Divine blessing on the work about to be commenced. Immediately on the conclusion of these prayers, his Excellency Sir Henry Ward cut the first turf, which he deposited in a wheelbarrow of polished satinwood and ebony. Mr. Doyne then, amidst the roar of the artillery and the cordial cheers of the spectators, wheeled the barrow up the incline, and tipped over the turf at the top 'with the art of a navvy and the air of a prince of engineers.' From "Illustrated London News", 1858.