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Hokitika Guardian, 27 June 1923, Page 2

Thkhk is much better news in the air regarding the prospects for the opening of the Arthur’s Pass tunnel. The Minister is expected to make a definite announcement at an ecrlv data, and it is considered that Saturday. August -Ith. will be the probable red letter day for Canterbury and the AVy-l Const. Saturday is being selected, it is understood to fit in with Pailiament. so that as little time in the House as possible will he lost. The House could adjourn oil Friday afternoon, end Mini-tors, members and officials could leave by the terry boat- that evening. On arriving at Christchurch the party could join the special train for Arthur’s Pass. :■ it is understood will go straight through to the AVestland end, where the official opening will take place. Tho joint trains from East- and AA est ( oasts would then pass through the tunnel to the Canterbury side. The official train it is suggested should then return to Christchurch where a dinner is to be given the Government, and the ferry boat would he so delayed that the party could rturn to Wellington by the next afternoon. So far it is not known what arrangements could be made tor a suitable function on the Coast, hut it does not appear probable that at this stage of Parliament the Ministers canid put in a special appearance.

The Coast, however, will lie anxious to jubilate over the event, and no doubt- steps w ill be taken to that end. There is at Greymoutll already, a central commit ttee set up. and it may b<* expected when the opening date is officially announced, the committee will be called together to arrange a programme. Assuming that the opening day is a Saturday as is proposed, most folk, certainly all the railway can carry will make their way to Otira, so that there can be no local programme. As it is doubtful whether all the people who desire to travel on the opening dev can be transported, probably trains will be run on subsequent days, to :• ford a visit to the tunnel, and it this is so it should be possible to lit in some special function. Whatever is done by the authorit’os it is hoped the claims of the workmen for some recognition will not lie overlooked. With the workmen, we would include tlieii wives ami families who have been with them braving the rigors of the climate, ill the high altitude in order to push through a. great national work. I heu self-denying serviies are worthy ol recognition. Locally no doubt the feeling will le to co-operate with our Greymouth friends in making the most ol the occasion as a time ol rejoicing to mark an event which moans the beginning of a new epoch in the history of the Const generally.