FROM PORT TO CITY.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 10999, 24 June 1901, Page 5

FROM PORT TO CITY.

THE" TRAIN JOURNEY

Almost imperceptibly the Royal train moved from the jetty—so imperceptibly that it was difficult to imagine that it Bad really started. Cheer upon cheer rang out enthusiastically from the children and the large concourse of people gathered in the vicinity of the barricade. The train was hauled by two small engines past the goods shed, passing oh the way a lengthy train full of volunteers waiting- to Be transported to the city. T?rom the troops, as the Royal carriage passed, shouts of welcome and hearty cheers rolled forth. AH along the Kne to the railway overbridga there were people cheering and waving handkerchiefs aid hats. The train stopped beyond the goods shed, where the engine which was to haul tlie train to the city was waiting on a loop-line. After a very short delay'the engine was coupled on. It was gaily decorated for the occasion, the front and sides beang almost smothered with flags. Khortly after twenty minutes to twelve the

tram started, and was soon going at a good pace. One Lytteltonian, a workman of the workmen, with a short pipe in his mouth, and apparelled in his usual work-a-day clothes, had evidetnly made up his mind to have a i "iront seat" view of the Royal visitors. Just . as the train started from beyond the Lyt- ; station be mounted the fence, and as ] the Royal carriage passed him he -waved his hat enthusiastically. On emerging from the tunnel visitors caught their first glimpse, of the ' Canterbury Plain;, and though the srenery is familiar to thosi who-have travelled over the line frequently, it ' would prob- j ably favourably impress _ their Jtwyal ' Highnesses, seeing . it or. they did ! bathed iv glorious .sunshine, tb= fields look- j ing beautifully fresh and green, and evidences on every side meeting their gars of a peaceful" and .prosperous community. At . tite Heathcote station there was a crowd on the railway platform, which greeted the j Royal train with shouts of joy and the wav- j ing of hate and handkerchiefs. ' Between t Heathcote and WoolsUm small knots of! people and children were »?een m the fields, '

who gave like expression to their joy as the train passed. "-.Similar receptions took place all along the line^—at each wayside station, fmm. the fields, end the railway -oroesmgs. As the train was going at a good speed, however, it. can easily be imagined that these expressions of welcome and joy partook somewhat of the nature of tie proverbial "flaah in the pan/ and as soon almost as tha crowds were seen, and almost before. their cheers were heard, the train had swept on. Nearinn town the crowds at tho crossings at Falsgrave .-street* and. the Gas« works road were larger. They 'displayed great enthusiasm, and cheered the train as it passed with great heartiness.