wp@dev:~$ sudo /etc/init.d/networking stop
 * Deconfiguring network interfaces...                                                                                      [ OK ]
wp@dev:~$
wp@dev:~$
wp@dev:~$ sudo /etc/init.d/networking start
Rather than invoking init scripts through /etc/init.d, use the service(8)
utility, e.g. service networking start

Since the script you are attempting to invoke has been converted to an
Upstart job, you may also use the start(8) utility, e.g. start networking
networking stop/waiting
wp@dev:~$