THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXI, Issue 68, 21 March 1906, Page 8

THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

> A TRIP OVER THE ROUTE. The Minister for Customs (Hon. C. H. Mills) returned to Wellington from Aiickland last night. His object in visiting the Northern city was mainly to enquire into certain matters affecting the Island trade, having concluded which he set out for Wellington by way of the North Island Main Trunk Railway. He left Auckland last Saturday morning, and arrived at Ta.umar.anui that evening. The next morning ho was carried another 29 miles along the Public Works line to Oio, whence the engineer in charge ,(ilr. J. D. Louch) drove- liim another 20 miles to Makatote. After walking a couple of. miles they were met. by a party from Raetihi and drove there, reaching tho township early that evening. Taihape was reached th© next morning, and the journey to Wellington was completed by train yesterday evening. Mr. ilills, who had glorious weather all th© way, reports that he was able 1 to get a -good look at tho work on the railway, and if a sufficient supply of labour can be obtained there is very little doubt that through communication by rail will be completed in about three 3 ears. Messrs. Anderson (Ltd.), the contractors for the huge Makatote viaduct, are making every preparation for the work, which will be in active progress very won. Ho saw a good deal of magnificent timber along the route, but in no place could ho ccc the large extent of totara bush which he had been told existed there. Generally speaking tho land was better than be had been led to expect. He was greatly surprised to see such, a largo number of families living in tents. They seemed quite comfortable, and in many places the dlweUers had mada very nice gardens, while the extent of the juvenile' population may be gathered from the fact that ono school has an attendance of 140 children. The country along the line of tho railway in broken, necessitating very heavy cuttings and fillings, and, saya Mr. Mills, no one can form an idea- of the work the Public Works Department is doing who has not actually seen it. Mr. Mills had an occasion to fast the proverbial hospitality of backbloeks folk. At Makatote it was found that lunch had been left behind at Taumaranui 5 but two local ladies, Mesdamos M'Ennis and M'Kenzie, members of a picnic party, came to the rescue and provided the Ministerial party with a first-class repast.

The third annual Swift road race promoted 1 and conducted by the Adams Star Cycle Company, Christchurch, has been arranged to take place on Saturday, sth May. Prizes to the value of £63 aro to be given, and a record number of entries is expected. To select representatives from the North Island to compete in this race, test races are being arranged for in Wellington, Wanganui, and Pahnerston North. Entry forms and all particulars may be obtained from Mr. W. J. Richards, Hon. Secretary, care of Adams Star Cycle Company, Mercer-stroet. Entries clo&e on Saturday, 14th April. Messrs. W. Glenn and E. Harper, mem. u\ the New Zeala nd football team wr iv -' d ' Great Britain, returned to Wellington to-day by the Moeraki. They were welcomed by officials of the New Zealand and tho Wellington Rugby Unions and a large number of citizens. %, h t ?^ is Am ateur Swimming Club will hold its seventh annual carnival at To Aro Baths on Saturday afternoon. This promises to be one of tht. most interesting swimmipg events of the eea~ son, a really excellent programme- having been arranged. Among the innovations' is a4O yards ladies' race. B. C. Freyborg, the New Zealand champion over several distances, will attack the Now Zealand record for 220 yards, and it is expected tliat he will establish a new record. Every effort is being made by tho committee to ensure the comfort and pleasure of visitors; afternoon tea'(firfit introduced by the Swifts) is to bo dispensed. Tho new Engineers' Band is to play duriflz the afternoon.