A COSTLY JOURNEY.

Bruce Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 59, 29 June 1908, Page 7

A COSTLY JOURNEY.

Most travellers when they intend to "do" the trip to Rotorua are content to make the journey from Auckland by the ordinary express train, leaving at 10 a.m., notwithstanding that a recent visitor described it as the ' 'slowest-,and filthiest" in the Dominion. A visitor from Cbristchurch, however, a son of Mr T. C. Williams, interviewed the railway authorities on Thursday afternoon, and arranged for a special train to convey him to the Hot Lakes centre. j It was decided that the special should I leave the Auckland station at 7 o'clock that evening, and at the appointed hour a number of Mr Williams's friends assembled to wish him good luck. The I train, which consisted of an engine, passenger carriage, and guard's van, was found to be in waiting, and the traveller drove up in a cab, and, having seated himself comfortably, the train moved off amid cheers and laughter from those who were present. A good speed was soon attained, and the train sped merrily on its way, stopping for water only when required. Rotorua was reached shortly before 3 o'clock the next morning. It is doubtful whether the precedent "established by Mr Williams will bo followed to any large extent, as the faro, which in this instance amounted to £67, is a striking contrast to tho humble 1.7s 6d charged on the ordinary express. The incident recalls an occurrence which happened some years ago, when an elderly and wealthy old lady visitor from Australia went up to Rotorua by the express, and before the night had passed offered £BO for means of conveyance from the uncanny precincts of Wonderland. In tho absence of train facilities, however, her request could not be fulfilled.