TRAIN COMMUNICATION

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1923, Page 2

TRAIN COMMUNICATION

PASSENGERS BROUGHT THROUGH

Communication was made yesterday by rail, for the first time in over a week, between Arthur's Pass and Christchurch. A ‘train from Christchurch brought passengers as far as No 0 tunnel, where they walked a distance of about 15 yards, across a temporay foot-bridge, to a waiting train from Arthur’s Pass.

Tin; place where the gap has been bridged is not very wide, and it .should not take tlie Department long to erect an iron, rail-bearing bridge across it. A vast amount of earth has slipped away at the point and it will be wellnight impossible to fill it in.

Passengers who thought they would have to walk a long distance between trains, were agreeably surprised at finding such a. short distance to be covered. Workmen helped in carrying luggage from one train to the other and very little time was lost at the step. The train, of three carriages and a guard's van, then left for Arthur's Pass, where it arrived at 3 p.ni.. about an hour and a half lrtdiind the usual time. Delay was caused on the way by the engine having to stop twice, whilst t-lie furnace was cleaned out, the coal in mo being of a very poor quality. An “Argus” reporter was informed that at Otarama, a small, single track lias been built around the- slip, and over this the train slowly passed yesterday. This line, however, is of a temporary nature only, and will have to be removed whilst another track is laid, lower down, on more solid foundations. Coaches left Arthur’s Pass yesterday at 3.30 p.m., the last one arriving in Otira at 5.10 p.m. The express departed at 5.30 p.m., arriving in Greymouth at 7.20 p.m., having made a very smart passage. The train to Christchurch would not bo likely to connect with the ferry steamer last- night, as the train had not left Arthur’s Pass at 3.30 p.m., and a delay would be occasioned at tho slip at No 9 tunnel. The train to Greymouth brought about 30 passengers and a quantity of mails.