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Cutting the First Turf of the Natal Government Railway at Durban, 1876. Creator: Unknown
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Cutting the First Turf of the Natal Government Railway at Durban, 1876. Creator: Unknown
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
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Media ID 36368291
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Crowds Durban Kwazulu Natal South Africa Grandstand Natal South Africa Patriotic Patriotism Public Transport Railways Triumphal Arch
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the historic moment when the first turf of the Natal Government Railway was ceremoniously cut by His Excellency Sir Henry Bulwer, Lieutenant-Governor of Natal, in Durban, South Africa, on the 1st of May, 1876. The image, taken by Mr. Caney, depicts a large crowd gathered around a triumphal arch adorned with the inscription 'God Save The Queen.' Sir Henry is seen standing proudly amidst the cheers and applause of the assembled crowd, which included all the leading personages of the colony. In the background, a spacious gallery is visible, erected specifically for the ladies. The foreground is filled with an eclectic mix of Europeans, Africans, and Asiatics, as well as an escort of mounted volunteers. An estimated 4500 people were present for the occasion, and the enthusiasm was unprecedented in the history of the colony. The Natal Government Railway would go on to revolutionize transportation in the region, connecting Durban to the interior and facilitating the growth of trade and commerce. This photograph is a testament to the excitement and anticipation that surrounded the beginning of this significant infrastructure project.
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