FROM WELLINGTON TO AUCKLAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 422, 11 August 1908, Page 2

FROM WELLINGTON TO AUCKLAND.

Tho First Through Train. A Successful Run.

Auckland, Yesterday. The Prime Minister, interviewed on the Parliamentary train, said : “The initial run right through has been very satisfactory ; it is the longest express run ever made in the Dominion, being 28 mils longer than the longest run hithe.to. It is tiie first time in the hittory of the Dominion that the wide carriages have been used, until now they have only been run to the Hutt, a distance of 20 miles; on the present occasion they have run without a hitch of any sort or kind, and the very highest credit is due to the Petone workshops. When the uncompleted section is in full running order, we shall complete the journey easily in 19 hours. I must say that splendid work has been done by the present engine driver, who was in control of this heavy engine for the first time.’’

Asked as to the effect of the opening of the Main Trunk line, Sir Joseph said; “I think it is quite certain that the linking up of the Trunk line will mean a very considerable development of traffic which, in turn, will mean a very considerable development of business settlement in the interior of the North Island. While certain slow goods trains will become necessary, the additional passenger service, in my opinion, will tell a favourable tale, especially during the summer months. This route runs through the heart of the country, therefore, commercially, will not have to meet the same sea competition. I have sent a wife to Mr Hall-Jones, Minister for Railways, complimenting him upon the work done ; also the Public Works Department’s work on the uncompleted section, I have also wired to My Ronayne, General Manager of Railways, congratulating him upon the way the test has been met.”

Referring to the official opening of the line the Premier said : “Certain sidings at certain stations and a portion of the permanent way have yet to be completed ; several rails at present are only temporary,, but I think we shall be able to open the line for general traffic on November Ist.”