THE OPENING OF THE DUNEDINCHRISTCHURCH LINE.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1426, 10 September 1878, Page 3

THE OPENING OF THE DUNEDINCHRISTCHURCH LINE.

[by tub special eeportee op the peess.J INCIDENTS OP THE TRIP. One of the most notable incidents connected with the celebration was the grand gathering of Pressmen. From Auckland to tho Bluff every paper had a representative, and at the close of tho banquet on Saturday evening they all gathered at M atson’s Hotel. Some idea of tho number piesent may bo formed when I enumerate ttio towns represented, viz. :—Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Invercargill, Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, Palmerston, and Akaroa. As I have Stated, the courtesy and hospitality extended to us by our Dunedin brethren during our stay was unbounded, and their kindness will long be remembered by the representatives of the Northern journals. Such a gathering is unprecedented in the annals of newspaper history in New Zealand, and thus deserves record amongst the incidents of the celebration. On Sunday our parly was dispersed in various directions. The day, unfortunately, was exceedingly dismal, the rain pouring incessantly the whole time, making the last day of our stay amongst our hospitable entertainers anything but pleasant, bo far as outdoor siebt-seeing was concerned. A number wont off to hear Dr. Roseby preach at the Congregational Church on the subject of the opening of the Dunedin and Cnri-U am-eh line. Tho reverend gentleman preached a very able sermon, pointing out that a great moral ns well as material effect would bo the result. Christchurch thought that | Dunedin was clannish; Dunedin thought

Christchurch was uppish; Timaru thought Christchurch was exclusive, and Oamaru thought Dunedin was grasping. All these ideas arose from want of better knowledge of ea'-h other, which would be removed now. Altogether, Dr. Roseby preached a most elo quent and practical sermon. Others of our number went to St. Paul’s church, where a capital sermon was preached, followed by an organ recital Listing an hour or more, by Mr Towsey, which was a great treat. The organ of thc'church is one of the finest in the colony, and Mr Towsey brought out its beauties most effectively. Another detachment paid a visi: to the Princess’s Theatre, where Mr Charier Bright was delivering one of his free thought lectures entitled “Tidings of Great Joy.” These tidings, he explained, were the announcement of the sweeping away of the restrictions which had existed so long against men freely speaking their minds concerning the Bible revelations, &c. Though the nighi was most unpleasant and the streets muddy. I was surprised to see so largo an attendance The audience, which was composed mainly oi grave, shrewd looking Scotchmen, paid the deepest attention to the lecturer, and ap plauded heartily when any special point war made my him, I must confess my surprise that Freethouglit should be so popular as it undoubtedly is in the capital of Presbyterian Otago. In the afternoon some of the members went to the Jewish Synagogue to witnes: (he presentation of new rolls of the Sacred Law. As the whole of the ceremony was in Hebrew, they did not appear to bo very much enlightened. The evening was spent by the members of our party taking leave of the many kind and hospitable friends met with during our short slay and preparing for a return home, NOTES ON THE BANQUET. I have already given you an account of the banquet in Guthrie and Larnach’s building, but of course I could not in the telegram give some little notes by the way on tin banquet. Though it was understood that politics were interdicted, yet political feeling ran high. When the Postmaster-General waspeakintr, he lauded Mr Moorhousc over Sit Julius Vogel. Instantly there arose a storm of hisses, which showed pretty plainly the feeling of a number of those present. Thiwas again manifested by the outbursts ol cheers whenever Sir Julius Vogel's name was mentioned, culminating in a perfect ovation when his health was proposed Those speeches which were heard by the recording pressmen were really ex cellent spe- imens of eloquence. Amongst these I may notice for especial cornmcndatioi his Excellency’s reply to the toast of his health, Captain Townshend’s remarks on the defence of the colony, Judge Bathgate on railways, and Mr G. M. O’Rorko, in respond ing for the General Assembly. The last named gentleman, in graceful and eloquent terms, spake of the grand reception which had been accorded by the Dunedin people. The Rev. Dr. Stuart’s speech, in proposing the Press, was also capital, and the reply of Mr George Bell, a veteran provincialist, the proprietor of the “ Evening Star,” was one of the best speeches on the subject it has been my fortune to listen to. As to the banquet itself it was certainly magnificent, perhaps one of the best ever given in the colony. THE RETURN TRIE. Seven o’clock a m. was the hour fixed for starting, and by that hour the Dunedin platfoim was crowded with returning voyageurs. His Worship the Mayor of Dunedin was there to speed his parting guests, and also a goodly number of citizens. The carriages were quickly filled to overflowing—the knowing ones, who had anticipated the hour ot starting by some few minutes, securing the most comfortable seats. Mr Conyers, to whose untiring efforts throughout Ihe trip to make us comfortable we are indcblcl in no small degree, gave the signal for our departure, and at 7.20 the ret urn trip was begun. As we glide out of the station yard some explosives placed beneath the wheels give us a parting salute, and a hearty cheer is raised by the crowd, which is returned from the train. The run down to Burke’s Brewery, where the Port Chalmers train crosses ours, is done pretty smartly, and here the train draws up and a wait occurs. Considerable anxiety is expressed to know the reason of the detention, which Lists for some time. Enquiries are made of the railway officials, and it is stated that the enginedriver of the Port Chalmers train, who under the block system should have brought the staff with him indicating that ho was in possession of the road, has forgotten that necessary article, and therefore pulled up some distance off. However, this is arranged after a delay of some twenty minutes, and we are again cn route. The rain, which is now falling heavily, prevents any enjoyment of the scenery around Blueskin Bay, and the mountains arc covered with mist. A brief stay is made for water at Hampden. At Palmerston there is a halt of a few moments, and then a rush on to Oamaru, After a short halt to enable us to refresh, we change our engine from the double bogie Fairlie, which has brought us so far, to the American one, rejoicing in the name of Washington. Full speed is put on to make up for our detention at Burke’s, and Timaru is reached shortly after three o’clock. From here to town but one halt is made—at Ashburton — and that for a very brief period. A.t 7 35, Christchurch is reached, and the trip is over.

A banquet, given by the Southern members of the Assembly to (lie ladies and those from the North at W'earing’s Hotel, closes the celebration so far as Christchurch is concerned, and the Northern contingent depart by special train to go on board the Hinemoa. The whole of the arrangements were in the hands of Mr Horace Bastings, M.H.R., and his provision was perfect. Everything was done to add to the comfort of members, and if anyone deserves a memento of the trip it is the gentleman referred to. Throughout the whole celebration has been a complete success, and not one hitch occurred to mar tiro pleasantness of the trip or the enjoyment of those who took part in it.