ARTHUR’S PASS TUNNEL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2183, 6 May 1908, Page 3

ARTHUR’S PASS TUNNEL

THE OPENING-CEREMONY.-BOISTEROUS WEATHER, (Per Press Association.) O’IU'RA, May 5. The West Coast dosorvoil its mime of Lho“AVot” Coast yesterday when tho opening ceremony of tho Otira tunnel took nlucc. During tho night, a north-west -gale sprung up, accompanied by thunder and lightning ami this morning t'lio rain came down in torronts and continued, to fall throughout the day. A great disappointment was felt at tho Christchurch representatives being stuck up at tho Healey, owing to thoihigli -stalo of the river. The Railway ,Department had made elaborate arrangements for carrying three thousand people and only about three hundred braved tho elements .including Lady Ward- and several .liuldcs at -Otira. Tho weather was wretched, the rain coining down as- is only -known to West Coasters. The Otira river was running bnnldiigh and the -walk of tho two miles to the tunnel sito was anything but agreeable. -On arrival at tlie 'scene of operations, Ai r -Bruce, County-Chairman of Westland, was introduced to the 'Premier and expressed the 'pleasure all felt at tlio commencement of a work that was- of national importance. Tho Hon. A..lt, Dninnees explained the active parti o had taken since 1885 in the movement -for tlio coupling of the /Midland- Railway. Air O’DaUorany the only Canterbury representative who . had got through, said' it was a proud day for him to take part.in the ceremony of starting tho “hole in tho bill” (applause). Sir Joseph Ward was greeted with cheers when he rose to speak. Ho stated- that the work that they wero commemorating,rto-clay was one of historical importance. The Government had a. good deal of opposition when sanctioning the undertaking, hut ho was confident that the Government wero only studying tlio welfare of the community in letting tlio contract. He traced tho great progress the -West Coast had made during the last five years, not only in population, but m industries.. The West Coast would show out in importance, and tlie rich resources of the district .would be developed. The timber industry bad made rapid strides and the export had reached a million feet annually. The coal export had increased considerably and the flax industry was satisfactory. The resources of the West Coast were enormous and tho opening of the railway to connect with Christchurch would be the means of developing the Coast. Ho- felt sure that- to-day would mark an. epoch in tho history of the Coast, The Government had done right in forwarding this -great work, as it was duo to their late chief, the late Hon. Air. Seddon. If the present Ministry had not taken the responsibility, they wo- ikl have been accused of cowardice. -He regretted that so many enthusiastic citizens of -Canterbury had been delayed at Bealey.

Tlie'Premier then touched tlie electric button and the first shot of the Otira tunnel was fired amidst great cheering. -Airs AfoLean then presented (Sir J. Ward with a handsome silver casket suitably inscribed as a memento of the occasion. Sir T. Ward thanked tho contractors for their kind present which ho would cherish. Ho wished the contractors every success in the undertaking. Tlireo cheers were then -given for tho Premier and tlie contractors and an adjournment was then made to tlio ■banquet hall, where- a jjJleasant hour was spent. Speeches iiT'fcommeinoration of tlio occasion were made and tho 'Premier'avas' thanked and cheered for taking part in the gathering. The -party left Otira at six .o’clock for Grcyniouth well satisfied with the outing, although the rain throughout tho day did not cease for one moment.