Rail wires live

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 31, 19 January 1988, Page 1

Rail wires live

The Ohakune section of the new railway line went electric without pomp or ceremony last week. Although the event represents a culmination of much expense and effort, the switching on occurred quietly at the local substation of Electricorp. Later in the year, however, there will be a formal celebration and ceremony. The director of electrification for the Railways Corporation, Mr L e x Williams, told the Bulletin that a Ministerial ribboncutting would be held

shortly after completion of the entire Hamilton- Palmerston North project. At this stage completion is scheduled for the end of June. Mr Williams said it was likely there would be a one-day event with formal ceremonies at Hamilton, Palmerston North and probably somewhere central in between, m o s t likely Taumarunui or Taihape. Asked if Ohakune might be selected as the venue for the central ceremony, he said this would be considered in due course but it was too early now to be definite about anything. He confirmed that work was on schedule and he fully expected the electrification project to be completed on time. Early next month the Waimarino Bulletin is to meet Mr Williams and the assistant General Manager of Railways, Mr Ewan McQueen, in Wellington to discuss a Bulletin submission to ensure Ohakune, which is steeped in railway history, is not left out of the official celebrations when the line is officially opened.