ELECTRIC TRAINS

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 July 1938, Page 10

ELECTRIC TRAINS

WELLINGTON DISTRICT SERVICE. [i’Eß PBESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON July 3. Dy cutting a ribbon stretched across the track in front of the first Set of coaches, Mrs. D. G. Sullivan, wife of the Minister of Railways, officially opened the multiple unit, electric train service, between Wellington and Johnsonville, on Saturday afternoon. The inaugural ceremony, at which the'Minister of Railways presided, was held at the Wellington Railway Station, and it. was attended by the Minister of Finance. lion. W. Nash, and the Minister of Health, Hon. P. Fraser. The' speakers emphasised the importance of electric traction on the suburban line, and said that, the introduction of this modern, fast and regular train service would greatly increase the prosperity of the areas served.

A few minutes after the cutting of the ribbon, the first scheduled train, consisting of two power coaches, and two driving trailers, with the official parly and visitors us passengers, departed for Johnsonville. The departure of the train and its arrival at the intermediate stations of Ngaio and Khandallah, were marked by considerable enthusiasm. Hundreds of people lined every vantage point at the Wellington Station, and watched the long train of blue and silver glide smoothly and quickly away. The, Minister of Railways operated the controlling lever until the train was clear of the platform, when he handed over to the regular driver.

The ’■tations on route to Johnson, v.ille were decorated with flags and bunting, and the platforms were thronged with people. At Johnsonville, 171 minutes after leaving Wellington, the first train was cheered on arrival by a crowd, and an official welcome was extended by the Chairman, Mr. C. A. Lawrence, and members; of the Johnsonville Town Board.

' Though several trips were made on Saturday afternoon and again to-day, tho 'hew passenger timetable will not come into operation until to-morrow.