LINKING-UP THE COASTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1918, Page 4

LINKING-UP THE COASTS.

EAST AND WEST MEET.

YESTERDAY’S FUNCTION

AT ARTHUR’S PASS

Tho conditions of the weather under which the first and last shots of the main heading of the Arthur’s Pass Tunnel were, fired supply a study in contrasts. May sth., 1908, when Sir Joseph Ward fired the first shot of the great national work, the day was extremely wet and bitterly cold, hut the state of the elements did not damp the ardour of the large and representative gathering which braved the conditions to celebrate so notable an occasion. Yesterday when Sir William Fraser fired the last shot of the main heading, the day was beautiful and the air extremely genial. If nature had revolt ed in the first instance at the invasion of men to one of her fastnesses she had relented and submitted to the triumph of the engineering feat beaming smiles of sunshine instead of shedding fears in a copious downpour.

Yesterday was an occasion which marked the triumph of mind over matter; the achievement arising t'roiy the union of applied science with industrial effort. The Arthur’s Pass tunnel is the largest national work undertaken by this country and its record up to his point is altogether to the credit of all connected with the great, work. It was very fitting that so

notable an occasion should be celebrated, and the celebration was distinly to the credit of all concerned in its organisation The National Ministry was represented by the Acting-Premier (Sir James Allen) the Minister of Public Works (Sir Wm. Fraser) and the. Minister oi Internal Affairs (Hon. G. W. Russell). Several members —about twenty in nil —of both branches of the Legislature wore present. The Mayor of Melton, Invercargill, and Featherston were among the distinguished visitors. Canterbury was exceedingly well represented, every local body having personal representation. The same can be

said of the West Coast local bodies from Westport to Ross. Among other special visitors were Airs Seddon, Airs W. S. Roan, Miss Seddon, Airs Fricklcton, and other ladies; Air M. It. Holmes (Chief-Engineer), Mr E. If. ffilcv (N.Z. Railways) and a host of other officials. The Government had Hie arrangements in hand, and treated their guests very handsomely. All works at the tunnel were suspended for the

day, and the workmen given a holiday mi full pay. The gathering at Arthur’s Pass numbered fully GOO people. The party from the Coast travelled by an express train which reached Otira to time. Nine large coaches were in waiting and these were quickly crowded about 150 crossing to Arthurs Pass.

The road bore tangible evidence of tho late severe weather, snow—particularly out of the Pass—lying about in abundance. Bright sunshine and a clear sky made the outlook very beautiful and the Otira Gorge appeared at its best. On top of the gorge, where the snow was encountered on the road, progress was hampered and delayed tho arrival at Arhur’s Pass station, but the panorama was an exceedingly fine view, and all expressed delight at the pictiiresquencss of the Alpine wonderland. The Coast parly reached the Pass station about an hour and a half aftoi the arrival of the Canterbury party which had been brought through on time—heavy though the load with its train of 300 passengers. Lunch was ready on arrival, and there was no laggards at the call. It was approaching 2.30. o’clock before tho special function of the day commenced. The gathering was at the Healey end of the tunnel, where the folk assembled and prior to the speechmaking were entertained by the Lyttelton Marino Band. The entrance to the tunnel was heflagged and everything was in readiness for tho last shot. Before this was fired tile Hon. .1. Griinmond ALL.C. had come through Iho tunnel from the Westland side, thus supplying tangible evidence that there was through traffic .between the two portals. When the party had gathered at tho mouth of the tunnel, Air A. T)runic (Engineer in Charge) rang up the workmen inside and ascertained that all was ready for the shot. r lhis was tho signal for Sir MTlliam Fraser to pull the lover and the shot was exploded some two miles away in the bowels of the Southern Alps. Cheers rang out and all uncovered to the strains of the National Anthem played by the hand. There were more cheers for Sir William and the workers, and then came

THE SPEECHES

Sir William Fraser expressed liis pleasure at presiding at the celebration to mark such an impornnt step in a great national-work. Fie read an appreciative telegram from Mrs Hay, widow of the late Engineer who had been foremost in preparing the plans and specifications for' the tunnel, and then went on to give a short history of the work. Tile Pass was discovered by Mr Arthur Dobson (with them that day) in 1864 when the Canterbury folk were looking for a road route to 'Westland and Arthur’s Pass it was called to this day and would be for all time. In 1873 began the exploration for a railway route. In the course of file next ten years no loss that fourteen routes were reported upon. In 1883 the Government appointed a Commission to report on the most suitable and the Ar thur’s Pass was considered the most economical and so was selected. In 1895 the Midland Railway Cov., came into being, and the work undertaken. Five years later the Government took over the line. The piercing of the Alps was the problem to be faced, and a committee of Colonial Engineers were appointed to go into the matter. Those engineers were Messrs Bell, Hay and Coombe. Then an expert in mountain, railways, Mr E. G. Boyne was called in, and in 1902 ho brought down alternative proposals, one of which was adopted. The grades were fixed, and the tenders called in 1907, McLean and Son’s tender was accepted to finish the work in five years. This had not been possible and the contractors asked in 1912 to be relieved of their contract. A Committee of Parliament recommended this to be done, and then after the Public Works Department carried on the work. Of a contract of eight miles, only about 2 miles 30 chains had been

— , 'done when the work fell to the Government. The Government had encountered difficulties. They had labour troubles, for tho work was wet and not popular with the miners. But they carried on and the engineers were to he congratulated on the excellence of their work. It was a large work, and only one life l!ad been lost duo to a fall of earth, which had injured also, others of the workmen. The line was on a grade of one in 33, falling from the Canterbury side. At the entrance where they stood the. tunnel was 2400 feet above sen level. Its greatest depth below the surface, was under Warnock’s Knob, where it was 1150 feet underground. The Minister tributed the work done by the men. Of the army of enthusiats who had worked with a single purpose, he referred special of th 0 energies of the late R. J. Seddon to push the work on. In that connection he expressed special pleasure at seeing Airs Seddon present with two of her daughters.

Sir William Eraser went on to refer to the accuracy of the engineering worn which he praised very highly. He said they would all like to know when the the line would he finished and through traffic established. The. line would he completed when the war was finished. Honey and men were required for the work as for the war, and for the time being the latter must have preference. The country must provide money to carry on New Zealand’s part in 1b,,, war. lie wanted more men for the tunnel. They had about 140 men on it, now—they could employ 300 it fc'hey had them available. In about two years, or two years and a half they might see the tunnel finished, lie would give liis pledge that he, would do all lie could to finish the line as quickly as possible, and the members of the Cabinet were of the same mind. The Minister concluded by calling for cheers, for the engineering stall' and workmen, the latter being given « second day’s holiday the following day on full pay, which announcement brought forth cheers for Sir AVilliam. who finished a spirited l)\ expressing his pleasure at seeing so

la roe a concourse nresonl. Sir James Allen on behalf of Air Aiassov conveyed Ids congratulations to the people ot the East and M cst ( oasts and the Dominion generally on tho progress made with' the tunnel. He read a telegram of good wishes from lion. \V. D. S. MacDonald, Afiuislcr of .Mines and also on behalf of Sir Joseph Ward expressed good wishes to all assembled Personally, lie had great pleasure in being present and hoped Sir Williams promise of two years to finish the tunnel would be realised. He praised the work of the staff and the men, and said the through line was one which appealed to him as AU ixter ol Defence, for he recognised its strategic value in time of war. Ihe railway wa.-, the biggest work yet touched by this country, and it spoke well for New Zealand that in the midst of the biggest war in history, the great work was being carried on successfully. He looked to the time when the railway would he finished for it would he of immense value to the Dominion. Sir AYilliam Eraser here tendered an apology for absence of Hon. AY. IT. Herrins, Minister of Railways.

f [on. G. W. Bussell, opened with some humorous remarks as to the role ho filled that day. He was glad to speak to them as an old West Coaster ol 38 years ago. He had tender regards for the West Coast wheiy lie had obtained the best wife in the world. Tie desired to speak as the member representing Canterbury in the National Government. In doing so lie differed from Sir Rudyard Kipling who had remarked that “East is East and West is West, but never the train shall meet!” Tn good season the trains would meet from East and West. In congratulating ing the country on the prosecution of the railway, he praised very highly Sir 'William Fraser’s sturdy advocacy of tlie work all through, and at a time when it’s fate was in doubt. Sir A) m had been loyal to their cause and he would see the big work through. Tfo look off’ his hat to his colleague and felt sure the time would come when Canterbury would rear a statue to Sir William Eraser for bis staunch support of the Arthur’s Pass tunnel. Mr Bussell proceeded to refer to I In* part the late* Air R, J. Seddon had played in connection with the Midland Railway contract and spoke of what the country owed that statesman for his forethought and courage. Today the late Mr Seddon was worthily represented by bis family. Airs Seddon and her daughters were there, with them and Captain Tom Seddon, the member for Westland, would have been proud to have been present also. Captain Seddon was doing his duty for the King and Country, and along with his two brothers was lighting the battles of the Empire across the seas. At Sir William Eraser’s call three hearty cheers were given for Captain Tom Seddon.

Air Bussell concluded by expressing his confidence in the tuture, of the Coast the mineral roourees of which were greai and still undeveloped. Capital, science and labour would reveal the resources of the Coast in the days to come. He had great pleasure in being present at the function and the excellent engineering proved that the National Government could perform its work accurately!

Air. IT. Holland, Mayor of Christchurch felt it a privilege and ideasure to take part in that great national gathering. Tlie tunnel was flip seventh largest in the world, and it was being carried through excellently, reflecting credit on all concerned. He referred to the names of several of the early promoters of the time who had passed away. Canterbury had formed a Progress League to watch the fortunes of the tunnel. The opening of the line would be a great boon to Canterbury, saving thousands of pounds annually in the cost of coal and timber . The Mayor of Christchurch, concluded by thanking the Government for making it possible for so many of them to be present that day at so notable a function. Afr. ,T. D. Lynch. Afn.vor of Gre.vmouth, spoke on behalf of the West Coast people. He thanked the Minister of Public Works for tlie invitation extended to the West Coast people, and tin* liberal arrangements made for their entertainment. They looked forward with pleasurable anticipation to the union of tin* two provinces. Many of the pioneers of thi*| Coast had come from Canterbury, and \

the newer generation wanted to he more closely associated with their friends across the ranges. He referred briefly to the resources of the l Coast, and predicted that the railway connection would bring out the immense possibilities of the district which would be helpful alike to Canterbury and tho Dominion. Airs Seddon here spoke briefly and feelingly, thanking the assemblage specially for thinking so kindly of her son Captain Seddon whom they had cheered so heartily. . The reference had touched her greatly, and she wanted to thank them personally for their kindness. Air Hewlett Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, spoke of the importance if the line as ail arterial service, and the value it would he commercially. If it were available now it would relieve much shipping for other important services. The land of Westland under a system of national drainage could he greatly enhanced for the benefit of the Dominion.

There were calls for Air. Grunmoiiu, and the veteran Coaster was given hearty cheers when he rose to speak, lion. Grimmond said he had lately come through the tunnel, and lie had been greatly disappointed at not meeting Sir AYilliam I'Yaser and shaking hands with him in the lower regions! He joined in the- chorus of approbation of the work of the officials and men. AVestland would join heartily with Canterbury and tho Dominion in rejoicing at the final completion of the work. He spoke of several local gentlemen who had been associated with him in 1879 on the AVestland side in advocating the tunnel work's. On behalf of the AA’cstianders he expressed pleasure at seeing Airs Seddon and her daughters present. Tho tunnel would promote prosperity in the nonunion. New Zoa land would stand out prominently in the years to come, and the tunnel would figure largely in helping to make it in the future more and more worthy of the proud name and title of the Britain of the South. The speeches concluded, the Band played the National Anthem, and further cheering dosed the proceedings. HOMEWARD ROUND. The time for departure had arrived already. Hast Coasters and AA'esl Coasters had to make hurried farewells after their all too brief reunion, sml join train or coach. Cheers were exchanged, and the two parties were soon under way travelling in opposite

directions, all eagerly discussing the events of a very memorable and happy dav Those going AAYstward were brought through in good time, and were landeo at Otira Gorge ill ample time to fulfill the railway time-table. The serviceable coaches were soon abandoned, and the train crowded, and under a full head of steam, express pace was maintained to the journey’s end. the home trip was made in good time, not much behind schedule rate. I hose who took part in the outing had, all, the feeling that they had enjoyed a very pleasant day, and had participated in an event which was a red-letter dav in the annals of the Coast. 1 lie event marked the dawn ol a new err. which \till bring new life and energy to the district, because of -the great hopes in tho future for the Coast once it is linked up with the Sou ill Island railway svstem.