OPENING OF THE LINE FROM CHRISTCHURCH TO DUNEDIN.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1423, 6 September 1878, Page 2

OPENING OF THE LINE FROM CHRISTCHURCH TO DUNEDIN.

TO-DAY'S DOINGS.

[FBOM OtTE SPECIAL EEPOETEE.]

[By Tblegbaph.] Timabu, Sept. 6, 11.20 a.m. The trip up to the present has been a complete success. The weather is delightful, and all appear to enjoy the journey. We left the Christchurch station punctually at Bii—too punctual, indeed, for many of the travellers,-who were last seen making frantic efforts to reach the train, but ineffectually. The train consisted of about fourteen carriages.

After a rapid run we reached Ashburton at 8.10 a.m., x 'hero the Mayor and Council presented an address to His Excellency, who replied briefly. A start was then made for the Town Hall, where a breakfast had been provided} His Excellency and a,party/accompanied by the Mayor, being driven in a x drag. No speeches were made, and we were again en route at 8.30. The township of Ashburton was gaily dressed with flags, and a triumphal arch was erected near the Town Hall.

Timaru wag reached by- 10.15 a.m.; and here we were met by quite an ovation. The Mayor and Borough Council presented an address; the Timaru Artillery were drawn up in front of the station, as a guard of honor; and the Fire Brigade, with their engine, lined the street. A large triumphal arch, bearing appropriate, mottoes, crpssed the, street, and flags were flying everywhere: The Governor and the members of his party were driven to the Grosvenor Hotel, where they partook of refreshments; after which a start was made for Oainaru, at 10.35.

[PBB PEBSS AGENCY.] TiMAEU, September 6,11.25 a.m.

The train conveying the Governor and suite, M.H.R.'s, and other distinguished visitors has arrived here. The volunteers are firing a royal salute. The party was received by the Mayor and Borough Councillors, the Harbor Board, and Chamber of Commerce. The Town Clerk read an address congratulatory on the union of Dunedin with Christchurch by rail. His Excellency replied, trusting ,it would increase the prosperity of both provincial districts and of New Zealand also. At the back of the station a guard of honor was drawn up in line on either side. The volunteers were under the command of Captain Hamersley and Lieutenant Wardle, and the cadetß under the command of Captain Jackson. The G-overnor and srite were driven in a carriage and four greys to the Grosvenor Hotel, where they had refreshments. After staying there about ten minutes they returned in the carriage to the railway station, the train departing at lOh. 35m. for Oamaru.

The town displayed a large amount o£ bunting, conspicuous amongst nhichwasthe white flag on the top of the chimney of Bruce's mill, 135 feet high. At the foot of George street a triumphal arch was erected, with the word " Welcome" on either side. At each side o£ the arch there were crimson bannerets, bearing the words "Success to Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce,".and, also, "New Zealand Progress—Canterbury and Otago." Under these were two splendid specimens of fern trees. Four smaller bannerets were suspended from poles. The railway platform was cleared of all but those invited. Cocoanut matting was placed down at 10 a.m., and the firing of a salute by the 'Volunteers and Cadets announced the approach of the party. Great disappointment was expressed at the shortness of the visit. . . .

Through the train from Christchurch to Dunedin only staying here about half;#n-hour instead of forty minutes as previously arranged, several M.H.R.'s and other celebrities are left behind. They were informed by the Premier and Attorney-General that the train would stay forty minutes here.

Oamaru was reached at 12.30. Here a dais had been erected in the station yard, and His Excellency, on alighting, was received with a salute from the "Volunteer Artillery and Rifles. The Mayor and Councillors then presented an. address, to which His Excellency replied in a few words. The train then proceeded to the Breakwater, over all which His Excellency was shown by the Harbor Board, who presented an address. A luncheon in the goods shed followed.