"Black Line" To Rangiora Had Turbulent Growth

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32076, 26 August 1969, Page 25

"Black Line" To Rangiora Had Turbulent Growth

An examination of the history books shows that Rangiora is indeed fortunate to be on the main trunk railway line- The growth of the northern line to Rangiora produced a tumultuous discord for many years, soon after the Christcnurch-Ferrymead line was opened late in 1863.

The strife firstly involved securing approval and finance to build the line. And when this was given, extreme bitterness grew up between Rangiora and Woodend, each town vicing with the other to have the line pass through it Because of all the fighting and protest which took place before and during building of this section of the line it became known as the “Black Line.” As early as 1804, the first of many suggested northern routes was drawn up. The line was proposed to leave Christchurch through the eastern suburbs and Marshland, following the North Road to Leithfield, crossing over both branches of the Kowai River above Amberley. After crossing the Weka Pass it took a great curve into the Upper Hurunui. It was to be a purely provincial line, crossing Harpers Pass to the West Coast rather than link the Nelson settlements with Canterbury. Investigations After an investigation by the Canterbury Railway and Bridge Commission and the passing of a railway act by Parliament, authority was given as early as 1864 to buy land for the northern line. It was then proposed to leave Christchurch by its western suburbs, crossing the Waimakariri near Stewarts Gully, with a station at the present site at Kaiapoi. From there the line was to cro® the North Branch (of the Waimakariri) so as not to impede navigation, and curve through the swamps round the western edge of the native reserve halfway between Rangiora and Woodend and swing towards Waikuku to cross the Ashley at its narrowest point.

At this stage, it is to be noted, Rangiora was not even considered. Pigeon-Holed But the plan was pigeonholed, and resentment grew from the men of the north, especially as the southern line started towards Rolieston; and resentment increased when trains started running between Ferrymead and Rolieston in 1886. The year 1865 was the first of seven years of frustrating responses to arguments by the northerners, of public meetings, petitions, deputations and strong political feeling. However, after an improvement in the finances of the province in 1869, £45,000 was Set aside in October for the northern line. Purchase of the required land was again authorised, but the route was still not settled. An abundance of diverse schemes was put forward. First Survey The first survey of the route, from Christchurch to the Hurunui, was started in March, 1870, and finished two months later. The surveyors favoured the controversial western route, passing halfway between Rangiora and Woodend. Rangiora was now mentioned for the first time: when the western route was placed before the Provincial Council for ratification, J. Evans Brown moved as an amendment that the line should pass directly through Rangiora. But his proposal was soundly defeated, and the original route was then agreed upon.

But as soon as work started, Rangiora and Woodend, both grown into sizeable market towns, crusaded for the route to be changed. Rival Claims Hi feeling between them ran high: Rangiora businessmen claimed that, being more centrally situated and the larger town, Rangiora had the better case. Woodend claimed the shorter route, which it said was more logical. Public meetings, threats by Woodend farmers to boycott Rangiora markets in favour of Kaiapoi and to withdraw from Rangiora societies and institutions, a great (and bogus) petition by Woodend were but a few of the outcomes. Saltwater Creek backed Woodend, and Kowal, Ashley and Loburn added their voices on behalf of Rangiora. Another government investigation in July, 1871, decided that the route, passing halfway between the two towns, was fair. Chances by both towns of becoming the leading market town in North Canterbury seemed gon?. Rangiora Wins Woodend’s bogus petition had lots it much support, and Rangiora drew up its case which it rushed to Parliament Parliament was finally persuaded that what the Rangiora settlers called the “Ashley Township Line” was most centrally placed and more beneficial to the district as a whole. The line had progressed, to the Waimakariri River before the Provincial Gov-

emment Informed the Rangiora settlers that Rangiora would be included on the northern line. The Christchurch-Kaiapoi section was officially opened on April 29, 1872. The extension to Rangiora was opened on November 6 the same year. That day was declared a public holiday in Rangiora. Visitors crammed the town for the gay celebrations. The cost of the 18 miles 70 chains of line from Addington to Rangiora was £134,596 6s 2d.