"THE MAIN TRUNK SPECIAL."

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9163, 10 August 1908, Page 5

" THE MAIN TRUNK SPECIAL."

By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, August 9. The Main Trunk special train arrived in Auckland at fi.3o o'clock, three-quarters of an hour behind the scheduled time. There was a great crowd on the station to welcome the party, a band being in attendance on behalf of the Auckland citizens. The Mayor (Mr Myers) congra'ulated the Government on having at hst completed this great national work. Sir Joseph Ward made a brief speech in reply. The Prime Minister, interviewed on the Pailiamentary tleet train, said: "The initial run right through has been very satisfactory. It was the 1./ngest express run ever made in the Dominion. When the uncompleted section is in full running order the journey will be completed easily in 19 hours" Asked as to the effect the opening of the Main Trunk Line, Sir Joseph said: "I think it quite certain that the link-ing-up of the Trunk Line will mean a very considerable development of traffic which in turn will nftan a very considerable development of business and sattlemeot of interior of the North Island. While certain slow goods trains will become necessary. Thid route runs through the heart of the country, therefore commercially it will not have to meet the same sea competition." Referring to the official opening of the line, the Premier said: "Certain sidings, certain stations and portions 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." Mr W. F. Massey, Leader of the Opposition, interviewed, said that the trip had been very successful, und running had been most satisfactory. Many who bitterly opposed the North Island Main Trunk linp in past years now say that it W;is the right thing to get the line completed.