DOINGS AT GREYMOUTH

Evening Star, Issue 21992, 30 March 1935, Page 5

DOINGS AT GREYMOUTH

11 Morrison street, Caversham March 16, 1935.

Dear Big Brother Bill, —I am writing to enter tor the holiday competition; that is, if I am not too late. As you already know, I visited Greymouth and Christchurch. We started out in the north-bound express, full of hope and anticipation, for we had never been farther than Hampden. From the carriage window we saw fields flash by and, after a halt at Oamaru for dinner, we crossed the Waitaki River and were, for almost the first time, in Canterbury territory. Rapidly the scene changed until the train halted at Timaru, where, after an impatient wait, we were off once more into less familiar country—for I had paid a brief visit to Timaru when I was only five years’ old, so. I had forgotten it. But the glimpse we obtained was disappointing, after the reputation Timaru had. Presently we steamed out of Rakaia to cross the long river, now nearly dry after the drought. When, at last, after a tedious journey, we alighted from the train at Christchurch, we enjoyed a hot meal and then to bed.

Early next morning we boarded the Westland train, knowing that another tiring journey was before us. This time the country was new to us, and therefore interesting. On the way we' passed great timber mills, arid then the grass-covered plains changed to the bush-clad hills of the Southern Alps. At Arthur’s Pass, the last of the Canterbury stations, we saw the quaint electric engine, which was to draw our .train through the Otira Tunnel. After about twenty minutes we were in Westland for the first time in our lives. After an uneventful run, except when, in one stage of the journey, where we passed through a bush fire, we arrived m Greymouth, where the Grey River flows sluggishly through. That night, it was Christmas Eye, so we went up town, whore wo viewed the gay people of Westland celebrating their Christinas. Next day, after a wonderful dinner at the hotel, we had a bathe in the river. Because of the* drought it was the lowest the river ; had been for over sixty years. That night wo went down to Seven Mile Beach with others from the hotel, and then we had Christmas cake and soft drinks a« a lady’s place, thus finishing an enjoyable day suitably. Every day we went for a bathe, while in the mornings and evenings we viewed the countryside. * On New Year’s Eve we travelled back to Christchurch, past lakes in which the bush-clad hills were reflected, past the snow-tipped Southern Alps, then once more through the Otira Tunnel. On this occasion we left our carriage windows open, the cool wet air blowing the cobwebs away. We then stayed in Christchurch till the Saturday. "One day we had a row up the Avon, afterwards enjoying a trip out to North Beach and Sumner, where we played in the caves. Another day we took the tram to the Cashmere Hills, where we obtained a fine view of the city below us. Then on Saturday we boarded the train for Dunedin. The last part of the journey homewards I enjoyed most, for I was glad to reach home. So ended a marvellous holiday, and so I must say goodbye.—l remain, your sincere bairn, Alice Lyon.