OPENING OF THE CHRISTCHURCH AND DUNEDIN RAILWAY. (PER PRESS AGENCY.) Dunedin, 6th September.

Evening Post, Volume XVI, Issue 213, 7 September 1878, Page 2

OPENING OF THE CHRISTCHURCH AND DUNEDIN RAILWAY. (PER PRESS AGENCY.) Dunedin, 6th September.

The opening of the Dunedin and Christchurch line, the great event of connecting the two commercial cities of the South Island by means of the iron horse, was consummated today. The train left Christchurch punctually at six o'clock, so punctually, indeed, as to cause several laggards to lose their passages", and they could be seen from the train looking after us with rueful laces. The Dunedin Glee Club enlivened us during the whole of tho journey by their excellently rendered melodies, accompanied by a harmonium which they had in the carriage. The Railway Baud also played "Auld Lang Syne" as we stpamed away. O^maru was reached at 12 80, and here great preparations had been made. The station yard was kept clear of all by a lino of voluuteer*, and a dais had been erected, upon which the Mayor and Councillors were waiting to present yet another address. This ceremony having been gone through, and his Excellency 'sreply having been made, the Oamaru folk being naturally anxious to show their breakwater to their northern visitors, a start was made for it. The Governor was met on his arrival by the Harbour Board, the chairman of which, Mr. Sumpter, presented one more address, of the formidable roll of which Mr. Le Patourel was the custodian; and his Excellency having replied, Mr. Sumpter requested him to perform the ceremony of christening the new wharf. To this he acceded, and, having broken a bottle of champagne which was haaded to him by a young lady, he declared the name of the new wharf to be the "Normanby Wharf," which was the signal for immenso cheering. A move was then made to the carriages. His Excellency and party and the visitors generally were invited by Mr. Steward, tho Mayor of Oamaru. to- a luncheon. This, which was a capital spread, was laid out on the upper floor of a large grain store, and fully 400 sat down. Here as at Timaru we lost some of the members of our party who lagged behind. PassiDg through tbe streets, or rather across them, which were lined with people, we set off at a rapid pace on tho second stage of our journey towards the Melbourne of the South. Just a little farther on we passed the Kakanui River running between two ridges of hills sloping down to it on either side, and then passed the township of Mahemo and the Kakanui st-uiori and the township of Otepopo, where slate quarries exist. Passing through a small tunnel, we irossed two branches 01 the river, which are called Rookery and Otepopo respectively, and just beyond this is the township of Hampdcu. We ran in here at 2.45, and in a few moments were away again. Moeraki Junction was tho next point reached, and without staying we pushed on for Pahnerston. On the way we met with some heavy gradients, but the big American eugino made light work of it, and we reached Palinerston at 3 35. Our American engine, which had brought us so gallantly to this stage, was here cashiered in favor of a double bogie " Fairlie," which is better adapted for the steep gradients on this section. At 4 p.m., amid the cheers of a very large crowd, we steamed out on our way, and now began the most picturesque part ot our journey, forest, sea, and hill all combined to make this the best part of the trip. The line winds in and out around the foot of the hill, with the sea on oue side. After a short run we passed through Waikouaiti at 4.30 p.m. From this to Blutskin the scenery is grand. Passing through two small tunnels to Deborah Bay, we began to draw near to the end oi the journey. WegottoPortChalmors,from whence as ne passed an artillery salute was fired, the rod flashes of tho guns lighting up tho dusk, which was just beginning to tall ; and then everyone was on the alert to gather up his belongings as we drew near Duucdiu. Long before we ran into the station we could see the colored ekctric lights and illuminations with which Dunediu was ablaze, aud on reaching tbe station every nook and corner was packed with people, and as the electric light fell upon them wo could see a perfect forest of faces. The train ran into the station, which inside was lined with voluntnors ; the guns thundered out a salute; the vast crowd give cheer after cheer, and the marriage of Dunedin with Christchurch was au accomplished fact. His Excellency the Governor was welcomed to Dunedin by the Mayor, and briefly replied. His Excellency aud party then drove off to the Fornhiil Club. To-night Dunedin is brilliantly illuminated, and the streets are thronged with people.