construction officially commenced on 4 december 1908 when the governor of western australia frederick bedford turned the first sod of soil during a ceremony near newcastle. the governor noted that this was the first time he had officiated at the construction of a railway. during his visit the governor stated that was he glad he would not leave western australia without being associated in some way with the policy of agricultural railways construction for the state. as a memento of the occasion the governor was presented with a miniature shovel that had a sandalwood handle and gold blade.