MAIN TRUNK LINE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2265, 10 August 1908, Page 3

MAIN TRUNK LINE.

PARLIAMENTARY TRIP. AN EXCELLENT JOURNEY. PASSENGERS CHARMED WITH SCENERY. [Press Association.] TAUMARANUI, August 8. Tho Parliamentary special train to Auckland, via tlio Main Trunk lino, carrying 305 passengers, loft AVollington at 10.4 p.m. Inst night, nine minutes after tlio advertised time of departure, and now has covered, 20l miles of the 426 miles’ journey between tho two eities, that is tho exact distnneo between Wellington and New Plymouth oil the old routo. So far, the trip, which was commenced under tho happiest auspices, has been unmarred by even tho most trivial circumstance. Tho arrangements made by the Government for the comfort of the guests are beyond reproich. Taking everything into consideration, the Minister for Railways mustbe congratulated upon which tho journey is being made. It was, oi course, out of the question to provide sleeping cars, hut pillows, rugs, and foot-warmers wero tlioro in profusion. This morning general satisfaction was expressed, tho great majority declaring they had slept well. The" train made very good running through the night. Wnioura was reached just before daybreak. Then, gradually, the sun rose upon tlie most beautiful scenery, and it was evident the party was to be favored with glorious weather. Ohnkuiie was reached at 7.10 n.m. Ten minutes behind time-table. The interesting central section of bush forest, gullies, and viaducts begins at Rangiitaua, the station before Ohakune, and ends at Raurimu, the baso of the spiral. It includes magnificent, hush and forest, scenery, the T'jnmii, Alnngnnuiateao, and Makatote viaducts, views of Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngaruahoo and Wnimarino plains and spiral. This section also contains all unballasted portion of "the line, over which the train was conveyed by three light ballast engines. The whole of this section excited tho liveliest interest. and caused repeated bursts of applause. The views of Ruapehu on both sides wero perfect, the atmosphere being quiet, clear, and limpid, and the sun shining brightly. At Mnkntote viaduct, tho centre of which is 257 ft aboro the bottom of the gully, tho train was stopped in the middle, and many walked across. The view here of the Ala kutote stream, winding away, with Ruapehu away to right, and to left, in the distance,, snow-capped Egmont, gleaming like some white Soracte in the sun, was superb. On tlie Wnimarino plains a most perfect view of the whole range, Ruapehu. Ngaruahoo, and Tongariro was obtained, not the slightest haze militating against tho magnificent effect of these ,noble mountains. Passing over the unballasted portion of tbe line was somewhat rocky, but tlie rest was remarkably smooth. Tlie spiral excited the greatest interest. A word as to comiumissariat arrangements is desirable. These were excel*” lent, and called forth loud praise. The breakfast-menu must have satisfied the most exacting gourmand. The Prime Minister granted a .Press Association representative an interview at Raurimu upon his impressions of tho trip. “I am very pleased,” lie said, “with the running of the first through train to Auckland. .Notwithstanding the fact that the unballasted portion of tho line, where we had to be drawn by light engines for some eight or twelve miles, had to be crossed very slowly, we shall be at Taumaranui on time. All on board the train, from the remarks made to me, have found the journey most comfortable. The arrangements made by the Public Works Department for the conveying of the tiain over the unfinished portion of the line were exceedingly satisfactory The new express carriages, so much larger and wider than those hitherto used, have proved superior to anything we have so far had on tlie New Zealand railways for running and general comfort. The stopping of the train on the Makatote' viaduct gave the passengers an opportunity of the finest sight in New Zealand.' A .sight hard to beat in the world. AVit-h tho magnificent hush extending for miles due to the left, Mount Egmont clear, distinct, thickly snow-clad, without a dark spot, appsared to rest on the trees, and on the other h ind. Ruapehu, also thickly snow-clad, and gleaming spotlessly white, as a sight was enchanting It impressed mo with the feeling that when the trains run arrangements should bo made to stop a few minutes on the viaduct, as is done at Niagara Falls, so that travellers may have an opportunity to see what is admittedly a unique and extraordinarily grand sight. Again, one is impressed, passing over the North Island Alain Trunk line, with the vast areas of native bush which in a few years must be available to carry large numbers of people. At Horopit 0 I was asked to perform a ceremony, by cutting a blue ribbon placed across the line by some settlers, but as this was not an official opening of the line I thought it advisablo that the blue ribbon should bo severed by the engine without anticipating tlie formal opening of the lino, which will take place a few months hence. The ribbon was severed acordinglv by the engine without formality, but the incident expresses the vivid feeling of the people of that locality upon the. event of the first through train to Auckland, traversing the iron-way which links up tho two ends of the Island, and is practical evidence of their attachment to the outside world. I feel confident that when the North Island Main Trunk is opened, it will become a much greater highway for passengers than the most sanguine anticipated, and its operations for a commorical purpose will certainly help to developtradc along the route of the line as well as at the two centres at its ends. I should think that it will materially increase the prosperity of Now Zealand. I have received advice that an enterprising photographer at Cam ; bridge has travelled to Taumaranui for the purpose of taking"” a gronp photo of those on hoard the train, so I hope this memorable event will he recorded in tho excellent pictorial papers of the colony.” AUCKLAND, August 8. Tho train arrived in Auckland at 6.30 p.Ui.. three-quarter© of an hour behind schedule time. There was a great crowd on the station to welcome the party, a baud being in attendance. On behalf of tlie Auckland citizens, the Mayor (Air. Myers) congratulated the Government oil having at last completed this great national work. Sir Joseph AA'.ird gave a brief speech in reply.