The First Locomotive.—Last Wednesday [October 6] the first Locomotive which has ever entered Upper Canada, made its debut in fine style from the terminus of the Northern Railroad at Queen's Wharf. A numerous body of citizens went to witness its departure, but for some reason the steam was put on earlier than was announced, so that many were disappointed. After traversing the line about twelve miles1—going in some places at the rate of 35 miles per hour—it returned home in about an hour and a half, finding the road, so far, in good working order. The iron is now being rapidly laid down, and in a month or two the line may reach Bradford2.
Ref: Newmarket Subdivision.
The Northern Railroad.—On Friday last [October 8], the Directors of this Company paid a visit of inspection to the works. They started from the Queen's Wharf in the new Locomotive, Lady Elgin, at eleven o'clock, and inspected the various culverts and bridges along 12 miles of the line. The road so far as completed presents a most satisfactory surface for the passage of the engine. The speed attained at certain parts of the trip was at the rate of thirty-five miles [per hour]—a velocity certainly equal to the fastness of the times in which we have the good fortune to live. The Directors very wisely have given instruction that the business of the line should be commenced at the earliest possible moment, and we do not doubt that this will be accomplished by the same energy which has characterized the proceedings of the Company since their operations were fairly commenced.
Ref: Newmarket Subdivision.