THE MIDLAND TUNNEL.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13105, 2 May 1908, Page 9

THE MIDLAND TUNNEL.

IN SOLID COUNTRY. THE OPENING CELEBRATIONS. (special to "the press.") OTIILA, May 1. Once driving operations had been corameinoed in earnest, daylight was soon left behind, and with, bhroe shifts working, the progress in toe heading has been. good. Mno ground was stony and extremely tough, but a day or two ago oamo tho gratifying news that tho solid country had beau- struck. Tliits is good tidings, and it is to be sinoerely hoped it will continue solid right through the piece. Men who are well qualified to speak claim thai it will never be the hardness of the rock met with that will retard progress, but brolwn ground.

The preliminary arrangements in connection with the opening celebrations are being attended to fn detail. Mr Leslie Reynolds, on behalf of tho contractors, is leaving no stone unturned to make those who visit Otira on Tuesday next long rem-ombur their visit to the Gorge. A path has been made up the river-bed, and the small streams securely bridged to en a bio pedestrians to reach the big cutting with, comfort and ease. Through tli« oirttring it is clean and dry underfoot, and as tho fine bridge that spans the Rolleston has been closely decked, little difficulty will be experienced in getting to the end of the structure. Hero a substantial flight of steps with handrails on either side allows tho sightseer to reach soHd earth again. Another neat path leads to the tunnel mouth, whoro a platform is being erected for the accommodation of speakers at the function. Close handy is the big cement storage shed, in which large tables are bping erected. This building will bo decorcted with flags and evergreens. It only requires that Tuesday next bo lino, and tho spectacle should bo .i brillia.nt one, and the gathering thoroughly representative.

Invited gueste to tho Midland Tunnel celebrations are notified that tho special train leaves Ghristchureh station at 10 a.m. oa Monday, stopping where required, reaching lloUeetcm. at X-..35, Sprhurfiokl at 11.50, and arriving at Broken River at 12.30 p.m. Coach and hotel accommodation has been found for those invited r "ue»sts who have, as requested, notified Mr Quane or Mr AdJey of their intention of being present at the ceremony, but the available accommodation is now quite exhausted, and no provision can be made in respect of furtiher applications, or in regard to those who have omitted to notify one of the gentlemen mentioned of their intention of attending.