OPENING OF THE MOUNT SOMERS RAILWAY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2650, 5 October 1882, Page 3

OPENING OF THE MOUNT SOMERS RAILWAY.

The branch line from Tinwald to Anama, the present terminus of the Mount Somers railway line, was opened on Tuesday. There was no public ceremony in connection with the opening of the line, but the announcement that a cheap excursion would run to Anama and back had the effect of inducing a large number of Ashburton residents, as well as those living in tho outlying districts, to avail themselves of a day's outing in tho vioinity of the hills, and this in spite of the said hills presenting in the morning a very blue and watery looking appearance. For the privilege of celebrating the opening the usual excursion charges were made to tho general publio, but free passes were granted to the members of the Ashburton Juvenile Brass Band, whoenlivened the day's proceedings with selections of music played in a manner that would do credit to muob older musical aspirants. The exonrsion left Ashburton at 10.40 a.m., and after picking up a few passengers at Tinwald, proceeded for a distance of about twenty-five miles over what has the appearance of being some of tho poorest and most sterile looking land to bo found anywhere from the hills te the sea. Arriving at Anama, a great surprise was expressed by the uninitiated at so dreary a looking spot being chosen for the terminus. Many of the excursionists had started with the idea sf pionioing among the tussocks at the terminus, but the Mount Somere residents had ruled it otherwise, and had in waiting a large number of vehioles of all descriptions, from the light double-seated buggy to tho ponderous s'x-horso waggon uied for oarrying heavy loads in the upcountry districts. The whole of the holiday seekers, numbering about 150, were quickly seated, and after a rough jolting ride of four miles over tussocks, boulders, Ac, were landed at the township. Here further evidence was experienced of the determination of the Mount Somers residents to do all they could for the oomforts of the visitors, the whole oompany, irrespective of age, rank, or station, being invited to partake of a substantial luncheon, whioh had been jointly provided by the residents, and laid out in a marquee adjoining Hood's Hotel. About 200 sat down, Mr A. E. Peaohe, in the absence of Mr E. G. Wright, M.H.8., occupying the chair.

Lonoheon over, the usual loyal toasts were drunk, and the Chairman, addressing the guests, regretted that the line had not been brought nearer the township. But little notioe had been given of the opening of the line, and the arrangements for the "reception of the guests that day were of a somewhat impromptu nature, but he hoped they wonld make the best of what there was. and in tbe absence of any organised programme for tbe day, enjoy themselves m well u possible under tbe circumstance*.

Mr W. H. Poddicombe apologised for the absence of the member lor Wakanui, *nd regretted tha absence of the member for Aihburton. Ho alio regretted that the line had not been brought nearer the town, but the residents had done their best to bring the visitors over from the station, and they were pleased to see bo many present. He had much pleasure in proposing " The Health of the Visitors," ooupled -with the names of Messrs T. Bullock, C. P. Oox, Douglas, and Sidney Dick, the latter gentleman haying some from Ohristohnrch to be present that day. Mr T. Bullook, in returning thanks, Btated that he understood the line would shortly be extended, and he-hoped it would be for tho benefit of the district and tend to develop its reaouroes, and be the means of placing in the ': market large quantities of the magnificent ' building stone to be found close at hand. Mr O. P. Oox congratulated the residents on having the railway brought so far, and thought if they all united and made the best they could out of it, they would -find it to their advantage, and much good would result therefrom. Mr Sidney Dick, the Chisf Postmaster at Ohristohnrch, and Mr Douglas, of Ashburton, also responded, and thanked the inhabitants for the cordial reception given and hospitality extended to the visitors. A cordial vote of thanks was then proposed to ttw residents of Mount Somen for their kindness in bringing the visitors from the station and providing so substantial a lunch for them on their smval at the town* ship. This was responded to most heartily, and after a vote of thanks to the ohair the com. pany separated to visit the caves and various points of interest in ths neighbor' hood.

Heavy rain, however, now eet in, and the visitors returned and gladly accepted the shelter and further hospitality offered them by the residents. A little before five o'clock preparations were made for a start for Anama, and the majority of the visitors reached the station without any inconvenience beyond a rough ridein the pelting rain; but afewcf them were le»s fortunate, and were stuck up on the road for some considerable time, and had to give way to ths inclinations of four jibbing horsep. Both pair of horses oertainly were terribly overweighted, but after the animals had enjoyed themselves for a while at the expanse of tho passengers, the majority of whom were o? the gentler sex, Anama was reached just a few minutes bofore the train started for Ashburton. Once in the train the little trouble at starting was coon forgotten, and Ashburton was ranched without further mishap. Great praise is due to the residents of Mount Somers fqr the hospitality shown to the visitors, and had the day been fino the trip would have been a thoroughly enjoyable one. The horses and vehioles sent to meet the visitors, and also to take them baok at night, were supplied gratuitously by the Hon. W. S. Peter, Messrs B. Ede, J. Hood, T. S. Johnston, J. Murray, J. MoOlimont, A. E. Peaohe, W. H. Puddioombo and J. E. lalor. Mr W. H. Puddicombe's kindness is deserving of special mention, for ha not only supplied a couple of conveyances and four horses, but took a deal of trouble on account of the intended visit, and was the chief instigator in bringing about the arrangements made for the reception of the visitors.