TRAIN THROUGH TO CAMPBELLTOWN.

Southland Times, Issue 574, 5 October 1866, Page 2

TRAIN THROUGH TO CAMPBELLTOWN.

(Br Otra Own Rbeobteb.) It has been a subject of considerable interest, indulged in freely by all classes, viz : — the opening of the Bluff line of railway. The most opposite opinions have prevailed with regard to the feasibility of opening the line, and many were not wanting to express grave doubts that, owing to some imaginary obstacle — some impediment that no one was acquainted with, but all feared — would prevent, at tbe last moment, tbe much desired railway communication with tbe most important seaport town of tbe Province. At one time it was thought tbat there was some bitch with tbe contractors, and public indignation meetings were held to learn tbe why and tbe wherefore ; on another occasion, it was whispered tbat some fresh claim of Messrs Dalgety, Rattray and Co. bad sprung into existence, whioh damped tbe ardour of tbe sanguine, and tbat time also dissipated j again, it was confidently asserted by tbe " man-in-the-atreet" gentry, that tbe next sou-- west "buster" would effectually clear away the embankment, and then adieu to the glory of Soutbland, and tbe Bluff Bailway in "particular. But at last these dismal forebodings were dispelled, and the welcome tidings were imparted tbat arrangements had so far progressed with Messrs Rattray and 00. as to permit of the carriages and rolling stock being removed from the Bluff (where they have remained nearly two years exposed to all weathers) to Invercargill. Accordingly, it was intimated by the Railway Engineer, Mr Paterson, to the Q-overnment that everything was in readiness to run a train to the Bluff, with a view inspecting the line ; and his Honor the Superintendent, the Executive, a few of o fiiiaU, to-pbaar with about twenty ladies and gentlemen, proceeded to the Railway Station, where an engine and carriage were in attendance to perform the first trip on an iron railway in Southland. Acting under your instructions, I proceeded to take " notes," and the first thing that attracted my attention was tbe fact that there were two carriages at the station, capable of holding all those gentlemen in attendance on the platform, and that only one carriage was attached to the engine, which consequently precluded the full number of expectant excursionists from accompanying the train, and occasioned some slight ill feeling on the part of the disappointed ones. To make certain of the matter, acquainted as I was with the disagreeable feelings engendered by the opening of the Oreti Railway some couple of years ago, when the public were excluded, and but a favored few permitted to attend tbe first opening, I made it my duty to inquire into the reason of so few persons being allowed to enjoy the first trip on this occasion, when I elicited information to the following effect : — That on receipt of intelligence that a train would be allowed to run to the Bluff, it was agreed that the Engineer should inspect the line, and his Honor, thinking it a fitting opportunity to judge for himself the best position for the sheds, &c, at the Bluff, it was agreed between the Railway Engineer and his Honor, that only a few should proceed to Campbelltown, but in the meantime the rumour spreading that a train was gtarting to the Bluff, occasioned a perfect rush of applications for seats, so much so indeed that the Railway Engineer positively refused to undertake the responsibility of running the engine over the line in its unfinished state, if any number were allowed. There were not five invitations issued, and most of those who obtained possession of the carriage-, did so without any special authority. 1 was also assured distinctly that there was no exclusiveness intended, or no desire whatever to show undue partiality, and that it was not an opening, but merely a professional inspecting trip. There were a number of our leading citizens and country gentlemen present on the platform, who, I noticed, would have been glad to have taken a trip, and who, no doubt, if the matter was not explained, wouH have naturally felt a little sore on being left behind.