ARTHUR’S PASS EXCURSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1923, Page 3

ARTHUR’S PASS EXCURSION.

A RECORD CROWD. CHRISTCHURCH, March 31 Yesterday’s excursion to Arthur’s Pass was attended by easily the largest croud that lias ever made the trip. Interest in the Otira Tunnel anil in the work being carried out at Arthur's Pass itself undoubtedly attracted a large nuniher. while, of course, many lovers of mountain scenery, and others desiring a "blow"’ away from the city also made the trip. Twenty minutes before the train was timed to leave, the sale of tickets was stopped, and some hundreds were turned away. The long train of nineteen cars was full when it left, and at least <’i Mindr, more were picked up at stations en route, making a total of over a thousand people. About one hundred of would-be excursionists, not to ho dis-

appointed, paid ordinary lares, and travelled on the Midland express, returning l,y the excursion train. Fortunately, tiie weather at the Pass was in its most smiling mood. Although the wind was somewhat keen, the sun shone brightly. The excursionists climbed creeks and gullies (and not a few shoes and stockings were woi in the process), ferns were gathered :n armfuls, the arrival and departure of Ihe coaches was watched with interest, and last, hut not least, the tunnel was visited, and even entered, by a few who braved its chill interior, and dripping roof. Crossing the crazy, lillle swing bridge, many visited the beautiful llridle \ oil Fall, and gazed in wonder and admiration at the dedicate lace-like effect of the water as it falls from the heights above.

Incidentally, on the journey out ami home, the new station at Springfield came in for much favourable continent. The refreshment room, although a great improvement on the old one, was tpiile inadequate to deal with the big crowd, and mauv were unable to sail sly their needs in the way of refreshments. The excursion train arrived back at 1 hrisichurch shortly after H p.m.