THE INSPECTION OF NORTH OTAGO RAILWAYS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 133, 23 September 1876, Page 2

THE INSPECTION OF NORTH OTAGO RAILWAYS.

The inspection of lines appears to have been the order of the day during the present week. Since Mr. Green, the Provincial Secretary for Railways, and Mr. Conyers, the General Manager of Otago Railways, have been up here, no less than five lines have been inspected, and in every case the verdict of the officials has been most satisfactor}'. On Tuesday last the line from Hax.pden to Oamaru was travelled over, and the encomiums passed on the creditable way in which this line has been completed fully bore out the statements we made some weeks ago, when our special reporter made a trip over the line in company with Mr. Lowe, the Engineer, and Mr. J. Dunbar. As we intimated in Thursday's issue, this line is to be opened very shortly, in fcet we should not be surprised to learn that regular traffic will be commenced on Wednesday next. AVe have not been favored with a peep at the time-table, but wc believe it is intended to run two trains a day from either end of the section. The morning train will leave "here with the Dunedin mails about seven o'clock, and the second train will start for Hampden in the afternoon. There will be a train from Hampden in the morning, a*:d one in the afternoon immediately after the arrival of the Duncdin coach. We have digressed slightly from the object at issue, namely, the inspection of the lines. On Wednesday morning, Messrs. Green and Conyers ran out by the eight o'clock train to the Waitaki Bridge, and on their return expressed themselves in most favorable terms on the substantial character of this section of the North Ocago Railway. The per-manent-way is pronounced to be in splendid order, and the running as a consequence is excellent. On Thursday morning a special saloon carriage was coupled on to the 9.10 train, for Maerewhenua. Amongst those in the ear were Messrs. Green, Secretary for Public Works : W. Conyers, General Manager Oiag) Railways; G. Sumpter, M.P.0.; Smith, Assistant Traffic Manager; Amos, Inspector of Rolling Stock: R. Wilson, F.S.A., Forrester, and Grave. Tae run out was made in good time, notwithstanding several breaks in the journey to allow of Mr. Green interViewing some of the s.ttlers along the line, and listening to tiie tale of their local requirements. Tiie running on the 28!b. metal most agreeably disappointed us, for, when we were out at Maerewhenua, some two months since, the permanent way was in anything but a satisfactory condition. Since then, however, the railway officials litre have taken the matter in hand, and the track now would please the most fastidious inspector. We were pleased to hear Mr. Green individually express an opinion that the line should have continued on much further inland : in fact, so impressed was he with the benefits that would accrue from' the extension of the Awamoko line, that he went so far as to say that he had no doubt, in a few years, the railway would be taken on to Cromwell. After the party had crosssd the river to Duntroon, and strolled over to the racecuirse, and interviewed Host Grant, a move was made homewards, and town was "cached shortly before rive o'clock. Yesterday the Waiareka branch line was the scene of operations. At 9.30 the engine Weka, with a saloon attached, left Oamaru for Queen's Flat. Amongst those who accompanied Messrs. Conyers and Green were Messrs. Smith, Amos, Ste.-.ard (M.P.C.), Maclennan, Mndie, Miller, Brine, Sutton, R. Wilson (F.S.A.), Cormack, Coggins, and H. Aitken. Tne day was anything but suitable for either an inspection or pleasure-trip, the wind and dust being something terrific. It was so bad the train arrived at Whitestone, that the gale actually blew the gravel ballast against the carriage windows. The destination of the party was M". Mcnlove's palatial residence of Windsor Park, which was reached at 12.30. It is not our intention in the present instance to refer to the state of the line or- the works in progress, but we shall reserve all comments till the permanent way is in a more finished stite. Suffice it to say that the running, taken all through, was even, especially when it is remembered that on many long stretches of line no ballast at ail has been laid. After the visitors had strolled round the grounds of Windsor Park, an adjournment was made to the house, where the worthy host and hostess had provided a most sumptuous repast for their guests. Judging from the quantity of good things provided, it- was quite evident that Mr. Menlove expected a number of hungry visitors, and in this lie was not mistaken ; the strong wind and the walk had keened the appetites of the company to a really alarming extent. After the good tilings had been disposed of, and the hitherto ravenouslooking faces wore a more satisfied aspect, the health of Mr. Menlove was proposed in a speech, which., if it had nothing to recommend, it as an oratorical effort, could certainly be admired for novelty. Th.p toast was received with the greatest enthusiasm, and was duly honored. Mr. Menlove then conduced his friends roimdtheg -omuls, and also showed u.s some magnifice it Chinese pheas-mts and Californian quail, which he has most successfully acclin atiseil. The pheasants were particularly tame, coming at call and c4Png out of the hand. Scoa after four a move was made homewards, the visitors giving Mr. and Mrs. Menlove three hearty cheers before leaving. On the way to town a call was made at Mr. Macleiinan's, at Whitestone, where the host did the honors. After a smart run, Mr. Cormack's house was reached, and a short delay occurred here for refreshments. Oamaru was reached at half-past five, and every member of the party was unanimous that a most enjoyable day had been spent.