THE TUNNEL OPENING.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1923, Page 3

THE TUNNEL OPENING.

After more than a month's good weather, and a week of particularly bright sunshine, it was anticipated on Friday that tile weather for Saturday’s function at Otirn wcnld lie all that could he desired. But in the wolds of the well-known proverb “niitll proposes” only. Sum alter midnight en Friday the rain began to fall, gently yet firmly, and tne morning broke wet and unpromising. But the weather did neL damj) the ardour of the enthusiasts who were prepared to see it through, and so a goodlv hand assembled at the railway station to .ion the speeial train front Ross, ett route to Otira and Arthur’s ll’ass. Their 1 nfage was well tewardod. I'.seopt for tiie short stay at (d i 'ey moil t h where the morning air was bleak, the day was not ec Id, and the damp was not serious. Umbrellas were hut little in rei|uisitiou, and the good sj irits el all defied tin' elements. It was a merry part\ which journeyed east to participate in the notable ceremony to mark the ollicial opening of the gloat tunnel and tile final linking Up of Fast and West. The (iovernmeut hospitality "as lib-, oral and unstinted, and the guests had many a go: d word to say lor their hosts. It was an interesting moment, when, a I let ariving at the line station at (Mira, the steam etig'ites gave place to the electric motors, and the mug train moved out-—the lit’-1 passenger train to negotiate (tie great j ittanel. Tin* line w: s smely well laid, for the train ran \rith gie.it smoothness. It was not a question of speed, but comfort. That was the distinguishing characteristic ol the elect tie traction. 'File train passed quickly from Otira to the tunnel mouth, and then entered the portal, into an atmosphere agreeably pleasant. Tito actual running time was about *JO minutes, hut the hettei jart of half an lmur was lust while some who I troubles eneouniefed almost midway j were adjusted. The stoppage was interesting es nli'ording the opportunity j to inspect the tunnel itsell. and to; l ilt ther temark on t fie olearne-- ct tlie air. and the pleasure of oleetrie trait uni eoiupit'.cd villi steam, tor tiitinel t fit Hie. \nived ci Anhui's l’a--. tile train dehouehed on a typical winter seem'. There was -now everyu fieri 1 . IheV r-ter-falls were frozen. The wlto’e scene was roe of wintry grandeur. There was an sth-enee of wind, which Ift j the atmospheio ntidisturbed. and the; experience "as net one nt itttett e cold. It was pleasantly e, Id. The younger l,|oods could not avoid the tern] intinn to indulge in a game of snowballing, while their seniors looked on and enjoyed the fun. or admired the s] edaeie rf tile v itIUT seem', villi the snow-iliul j ; lulls all round. Then a distant whistle j j was heard, and -min in steamed the I j long Canterbury train with it- veilj Idled carriages of Fa-t ('east ami I North Island visitors, including "t ! coi l l so i*>e M ini-tcrial party. Some ne i 11,.,1 |,,|. i| heel- for tile - ; 100 \ Fliers, ami a- these str-amc! < ot, I F.ast and West joined hands in a hearty I hand shake. That was the interesting ! moment of the day the time w hell ! Uie folk from i.otli side- • I the ranges first met and -honk hands in hearty greeting. The Const travellers we: ■ puvdeged to return first, to Otira. and dici so in a little smarter time than the uplouruey. hut again the nil important wires were affected in some wn.v. and Uter' was a short stop for adjustment. 11l good time ltevoi thelcsS the tia.n was hack in Olira, and Covorument ho.-piialil.v was again offered in the commodious tea rooms where lmf viands . f the best quality were served pleasantly. There vas some delay m •get Ling the ministerial tram lliroilgli the tunnel, owing to an interruption in the power, but in <t">’ course me le.ue III! ■ of earl iages v.ete 'n ought to the Station, and agafn hearty cheerrelit the air as the visitors poured Ir. m the eaniaegs on to Yri’-tland ;a ■ Then the visitors partook ol rclre-h----ments. and next followed the speeches. \iter that it was time to oreiaie lot ]e lttewaid trip, and trains were < n>n It jjdc.l up ll> ( freight to limit resj e: live de-iimilinlis.

AT GRKYMOrriI. tin the return to Greymnuth. the excursion tiain v -' ns mol - ,l - v ’'' land. In a lew moments. Mi • farf.lt. the energetic Mayor was speaki„„ t oiigrnlulaiing one and all a ( :,v-s success. Other s i: eakers mclimud' Messrs J. O'lßien. M.F.. d. MF. n. -M. Conk-on, 1" !»‘L' M.vcr of Hokitika. Moustr.dpe. ' ' • ~ . Givenol Rriinuci ton. .M.ii slade Deputy Me.v. ‘I • Hea, tv cheers were given, the I>>"udums closing with the playing of l)u . National Anthem by the ham!.