First through train exactly 80 years ago

Waimarino Bulletin, Issue 3, 5 August 1988, Page 18

First through train exactly 80 years ago

by

Dennis

Beytagh

It was exactly 80 years ago this weekend that the first through train ran f r o m Wellington to Auckland on the newly constructed North Island Main Trunk Line. The train left Wellington on Friday night, August 7, 1908 carrying New Zealand's Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward and ah official party to Auckland to arrive in Auckland on Saturday evening, August 8, in time to

greet the American Fleet which was paying a courtesy call during a tour of the South Pacific. The following account of the first through train and the American Fleet visit appeared in the Waimarino County Call on Monday, August 10, 1908. It was headed: First Through Trip Over The Main Trunk Line "The first train to run from Wellington to Auckland was the Parliamentary Special leaving Wellington at five minutes to 10 on Friday night and arriving in Auckland a t 6.30am on Saturday

night ... 30 minutes late. The run was triumphant throughout. Nearly 30 minutes was gained between Waiouru and Ohakune and these were 20 minutes good running to Horopito where quite a crowd had gathered and, as the train entered the yard it crossed a white ribbon amid great cheers. Considerable time was taken at this station to replace the big engine with three small ones

which took the train over the unballasted portion of the line. The engines were again changed a t Makatote and a fast run was made to Raurimu. On this run the passengers were treated to the unusual spectacle of seeing grass fires started by the engine which, under heavy draught, started hundreds of fires as she passed along. At Taum aranui a larger A-class engine raced the train to Auckland although delayed through not having cleared lines. The passengers were greatly interested in the Main Trunk run and

admired the excellent work of the Public Works Department. At Taumaranui, where a large crowd had gathered, Mr Jennings, MP, called for three cheers for the first train and three for Sir Joseph and Lady Ward and the

cheers were heartily given. Sir Joseph briefly addressed the people and congratulated them on the connection of the rails. He hoped that great prosperity would follow the event. As the train neared Auckland it was greeted

with cheers at nearly every station. At Auckland the reception was most enthusiastic and a great concourse cheered. The b a n d played as the train ran in. The Mayor of Auckland briefly welcomed the party and Sir

Joseph Ward replied. There is a great crowd of people in Auckland and lodgings are scarce. Yesterday (Sunday) thousands of people witnessed the (American) Fleet enter the harbour at about half-past eight in the morning.

Ferry boats loaded to the water line plied all day taking people round the Fleet of finelooking warships. Salutes were fired and general excitement prevailed all day. The morning broke beautifully fine and a Turn page 18

First train

From page 18 great concourse of people witnessed the landing.

At the entrance to the many wharves every point of vantage was taken by spectators who must have numbered over 30,000. The band played and the people cheered. The reception ceremony is now proceeding. The decorations are imposing, novel and pretty and the whole city is well beautified." (Waimarino County Call, Monday, August 10, 1908.)