THE OTIRA TUNNEL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9082, 6 May 1908, Page 5

THE OTIRA TUNNEL.

INTERESTING CEKiiAiONY. bs Tr.iiEcr.AVH—ri.'iw association OTIRA. May 5. The West Coast deserved its name of the Wt;?fc Coast to-dny when the opening cere non'y h con section with ttie Otira tunnel took plac°. During the night a north-westerly gale sprang up, accompanied by thunder and lightning, and this morning the rain came down iii torrents, and continued to fall throughout the day. A great disappointment was felt at the Christchurch representatives being stuck up at the Bealey owing to the high state of the river. The Railway Department had made elaborate arrangements for carrying three thousand people, and only about three hundred braved the elements, including Lady Ward and several ladiss. At Otira the weather was wretched, the rain coming down as is only known to West Coasters. The Otira river was running bank high, and the walk of the two miles to the tunnel site was anything but agreeable. On arrival at the scene of operations Mr-Bruce,. County Chairman of Westland, was introduced to the Premier, and expressed'the pleasure all felt at the commencement of a work that was of national importance. The Hon. Mr Guinness explained the active part he had taken since 1885 in the movement for the coupling of the Midland Railway. Mr O'Hailoran, the only Canterbury representative who had got through, said it was a proud day for him to take part in the ceremony of starting of "the hole in the hill." Sir J. G. Ward was greeted with cheers when he rose to speak. He stated that the work that they wera commemorating to-day was one'of historical importance. The Government had met with a good deal of opposition in sanctioning the undertaking, but he was confident that the Government were only studying the welfare of the community in letting the contract. He' traced the great progress the West Coast Had made during the last five years. The timber industry had made rapid strides, and the export had reached 51 million feet annually. The coal export had increased considerably ai:d the flax industry was satisfactory. The resources of the West Coast were enormous, and the opening of the railway to connect Christchurch would be the means of developing the Coast. He felt sure tha 1 : t>uay would mark an epoch in the history of the Coast. The Government had done right in forwarding this great work, as it was due to their late chief (the late Right Hon. MrSeddon), and if the present Ministry had not taken the responsibility they would htve been accused of cowardice. The Premier then touched the electric button, and the fust shot of the Otira tunnel was fired amidst griat cheering. Mrs McLean then presented Sir J. G. Ward with a handsome silver casket, suitably inscribed, as a memento of the occasion. The parcy left Otira at G o'clock for Greymouth, well satisfied with the outing, although the rain throughout the day did not cease for a moment.