OTIRA TUNNEL.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17702, 2 March 1923, Page 6

OTIRA TUNNEL.

.' OPENING CEREMONY. (SPECIAL TO "T&E P4ES3.") GREYMOUTH, March 1. Opening deferred has made sick the hearts of many Coasters regarding the Otira tunnel, and some affect to believe that months yet will pass before regular through traffic is possible. Howover, other dißtrict dlrcles ate more hopeful, and a meeting will be held early next week of representatives of local public bodies and organisations to discuss how the tunnel's openine can be fittingly celebrated at this end. May sth is suggested as a. possible date for the official ceremony, that being the anniversary of the firing of the first shot in the tunnel construction. It is understood that the Canterbury Progress Laagun supports a scheme whereby trains from the Coast <vnd Christchurca should meet at Arthur's Pass station, where Canterbury and Westland will join hands and felicitations be exchanged. The two parties would then ride to Otira, where the formal opening of the line would be declared and. an official luncheon be Held, while provision would be made for the general public after the nature of a Huge picnic in supplying hot water, tea, etc. The presence of one or more bands would be arranged for, and a scheme'of decorations fixed upon, including the ornamentation of a large platform from, wliich short addresses would be delivered.