OVER THE MAIN TRUNK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13605, 26 November 1907, Page 6

OVER THE MAIN TRUNK.

A PARLIAMENTARY TRIP.

FIRST TRAIN OVER THE SPIRAL." The members of the Parliamentary party who chose the Main Trunk railway route as the most pleasant and expeditious means of reaching their homes, arrived in Auckland shortly after ten o'clock last evening, after having had a very pleasant trip from Wellington. The party consisted of Messrs. A. Kidd, W F. Massey, 11. Poland, F. W. Lang, J. Stalhvorthy. F. Mander, and T. E. Y Seddon, M.H.R.'s, Mrs. Kidd, Mrs. Stall worthy, Mrs. and Miss Mander, Colonel Shepherd (Sergeant-at-Arms), and Mr. F. W. Weston, of the Parliamentary Hansard staff. The party left, Wellington at 9.30 on Sunday morning, and were farewelled at the station 'by a number of friends, including the Premier (Sir Joseph Ward) and Lady Ward.

The home-comers, who. were under the capable charge of the senior Government Whip (Mr Kidd) travelled by special train, provided by the Railway Department, to Mataroa, the railhead of that Department's line. The journey was then continued by the Public Works Department's service, as far as Waioru, where a halt was made for the night. At six o'clock yesterday morning the journey was resumed, and the party proceeded. by the Public Works train to Ohakune, whence coach was taken to Raurimu, a distance of 24 miles. The weather was excellent, and the road being in splendid order the trip acre ss the now narrow neck of country unspanned by the metal rails was greatly enjoyed. The party were met by a special train (provided by tho Public Works Department) at the top of the spiral, near -Raurimu. The spiral line had only been put in final readiness for traffic at the end of last week, and considerable interest was thus added to the trip, by the fact that tin:, was the first train to pass over this remarkable section of the :ron road, which ere long will connect the sister cities of the North Island. The train ran down very smoothly, and the scene from the windows as the carriages swept round the. long curves, and "looped the loop," where the line circles round in its track, and passes under itself, is described as being a novel and interesting one. Taumarunui ' was reached ; n due course, and the remainder of the journey, which w-is completed in good time, was without any incident of note. The day being clear an excellent view of Mount Ruapehu was obtained by the narty, and the scenery generally along many portions of the route was greatly admired. Mr. Louch, of the Public Works Department, did all tint was possible for the comfort of the party, and the railway officials all abng the route also did much to make the journey pleasant as well as speedy. The Auckland members, whilst they were unable to gain a great deal of information during thrir hurried passagj as to the program of the works since they last passed over in .Line last, express satisfaction with what they were able to see. They slat; that they see no reason to doubt that the line will be completed by the end of next year, as promised by the Public Works Department, but they are of opinion that there will be no time to spare. A great deal depends on the time at which the Makatote viaduct will be completed. Much work yet -remains to be done, but it is anticipated that it will be completed about February. Tho contractors, Messrs. Anderson, alsjhavetwjsmallar viaduct* in hand, hut the concrete piers of these are now in. Canvas settlements were seen all along the route, at intervals of every few miles, and the sight of chubby and rosy-faced children waving their hands gave the scene an aspect of civilisation, as the travellers passed through. Messrs. Poland, Lang, Massey, and Kidd and, Colonel Shepherd were dropped at the stations nearest their homes. The other members of the party coming right through to the city.