MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2811, 26 August 1908, Page 13

MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY.

SUCCESSFUL RETURN TRIP. (Fkom Ora Own Cobrespondent.) WELLINGTON, August 18. " The €iid of a very successful trip " was a comment which aptly expressed the views of all who took part in the p.\rl'amentaiy lour over the Main Trunk line as the pioneer Wellington Auckland train ©teamed into the Manawatu station on its return " fleet week " trip at 10 minutes past 6 this evening, thus keeping schedule time to the minute. The train, which left Auckland at 20 minutes past 10 last evening, arrived at Taumarunui at a quarter past 5 this morning. During the night heavy rain fell, and some doubts were expressed as to whether the downpour would not result in serious washouts on the uncompleted portions of the track. No Mich serious mishap, however, occurred, and except that the heavy rain and mist obscured the view of the mountain scenery, the trip left nothing to be desired. The train left Taumarunui at 5.40 p.m., 10 minutes behind time, and further 'time was lost on the heavy pull up to Raurimu. Subsequently, however, time was steadily gained, and after the Main Trunk line proper had been paeeed the glad announcement that "we are running to time, and will reach Wellington at 6.10 p.m., '\ was passed through the carriages, and, as already stated, Wellington was reached on exact timetable time. Since the fipst train went up, 10 days ago, a great deal of work has been done op the central portion of the route, and this progress facilitated the passage of the return tra^n. It is quite evident that the 19-hour trip fixed for the regular service is quite capable of accomplishment, and that this time may even be reduced, provided that the number of stopping places is kept down to minimum. Much credit is due to the various officials concerned in the successful carrying out of the " fleet • week " trip, including Messrs Louch and Furkert, the resident public works engineers on ihe northern and southern sections respectively, and their staffs. The whole of the transport; traffic arrangements were admiraly carried out by Mr A. E. Dawson, traffic inspector to the Railway Department, who also had charge of the arrangements in connection with last week's special train to Rotorua. The commissariat arrangements, which were" in ■ charge of Mr J. Souper, were also well carried out, notwithstanding the large number of people to .be catered for. The long deferred linking of the two sister cities has been accomplished, and a new chapter opened in the development of the North Island under the most fortunate auspices. WAIOURU, August 18. Slight mishaps occurred at Taumarunui early this morning. An engine, which had been despatched to water, ran back too quickly, the result being that a severe concussion was felt throughout the train. Some of the windows in the end doors of the carriages were shattered, and several passengers found their matutinal slumbers disturbed ; otherwise no damage was done. Lord Plunket, family, and staff, who left Auckland yesterday morninf, travelled as far as Taumarunui, where they stave over night. A train of three carriages was to be attached there to this train, but the load being too heavy the Viceregal party will follow later, drawn by a special engine.