ELECTRIC TRAINS

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3908, 16 February 1929, Page 2

ELECTRIC TRAINS

GHRLSTGMUROH-LYTTELTON TUNNEL. Christchurch, February 14. The first electric trains to carry passengers through the Cihrist-church-Lyttelton tunnel were run to-day, when the opening ceremony of the new electric service was held. The official act of opening was performed by Mrs. VV. B. Taverner, who severed a silken ribbon with golden scissors presented to her by the contractors. After a short speech by Hon. W. B. Taverner, a large official party of 900 and about 250 of the general public went by special trains to Lyttelton, where the Railway Department entertained invited guests at afternoon tea. There were many speeches, including these of Mr. Taverner and Sir Joseph Ward, all the speakers saying that the occasion was an important one and that the improved service through the tunnel would assist in the further development of Canterbury. Sir Joseph Ward hinted at the possibility of a considerable development of the electrification of railways, but made it clear • that this would not come in the near future. Even such works as the electrification of the WellingtonHutt line and the Auckland-One-hunga line might have to wait seven years. Mr. Coates was among the speakers and he was given a remarkable ovation when he rose to address the gathering. Unfortunately, tile electric locomotive failed on the return journey, owing to a defect in the overhead gear in the tunnel and the two trains had .to be hauled back by a steam locomotive and then brought to Christchurch by steam, so that the passengers once again had a taste of the smoke and soot of the tunnel.