Stratford Trunk Line.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1922, Page 1

Stratford Trunk Line.

FI I! ST TItAIN TO MATHCHK. f BY TKI.KUIIAPH —pull PItKSS ASSOCIATION | MATIKRK, May 23. The firsl Public Works passenger l ini in ran from Okahnkurn to Matiere to-day in connection with tlio morning train from Tntiniurumrt. It marked tlm completion of tlio first section of the cast end of the Stratford Main Trunk line. The first sod was turned at the Stratford end in March, 1!)01, hy Sir Wm. Hall Jones. The first sod was turned at the Tanniarunui end in November 1011 by the then Premier. Sir Joseph Ward. The line was first completed at Stratford end. -17 miles to Tahora. A section has now been completed at Taumariiinii end of 10 miles, from the Main Trunk line at Okakukura to Matiere. The connecting link between the Matiere and Tahora is 31 miles.

TIOII Mr Coates, in bis last I’uhlic Works’ statement, said be Imped the lino would reach Oliura within 12 months. When that is completed an hour’s run in a motor car will temporarily connect the end of the line, and give a through passage from Now Rlvmouth to Auckland. The settlers in Ohurn and Mntioro have waited 2D years for a railway contending with had roads, without metal. The early completion of this section since lion Air Coates became Minister is due to a concentration of men on this end. wit 1, the object of opening up rieh and well developed country. To do this expeditiously. temporary bridges were built while Dm permanent work has been proceeding. 'l\ho ballasting is completed over more than half the line, and a temporary station is erected at Matiere-. The first part of the jouincv about two miles from the main trunk, is through a tunnel nearly a mile in length, and after Hint four shorter tunnels to Matiere. The train to-day hold about 400 passengers in open trucks. The journey was safely made in two hours, the train arriving at 12.0 n n.m. A large crowd was waiting at Matiere and welcomed the train. Mr AY. T. Jennings welcomed lion Afr Coates to tlm district, and the ATinister then declared the line open, mentioning that it. had cost approximately £3.‘1,00(> per mile.