LYTTLETON TUNNEL

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11068, 15 February 1929, Page 5

LYTTLETON TUNNEL

SECOND EDITION

NEW ELECTRIC SERVICE YESTERDAY'S CEREMONY. Electric Telegraph— Xff ess Association CHRISTCHURCH, Last Night. ’lhe first electric trains to carry passengers through tlie Christchurch —-Lyttelton tunnel were run to-day, when the opening ceremony oi the new electric service was held. The official act of opening was performed by Airs AY. B. Taverner, who severed a silken ribbon with golden scissors presented to her by the contractors, Cory, AYright and Salmon. After a short speech by Mr Taverner, a large official party of SKA) and about 250 of the general public went by special trains to Lyttelton, where the Railway Department entertained invited guests at afternoon tea. There were many speeches, mcluding those of Mr Taverner and Sir Joseph AVard, all the speakers saying the occasion was an important one and that the improved service through the tunnel would assist in the further development of* Canterbury. Sir Joseph AVard hinted at the possibility of a considerable development of the electrification of railways, but made it clear this would not come in the near future. Even such works as the electrification of the AYellington-Hutt line and the Auckland-Onehunga line might have to wait seven tea rs. Air Coates was among the siKakers and lie was given a remarkable ovation when he rose to address the gathering. Unfortunately, the electric locomotive failed on the return journey, on ing to a delect in the overhead gear in the funnel and the two trains had to be hauled back by a steam locomotive and then brought to Christchurch by steam, so That the passengers once again had a taste of the smoke and soot in the tunnel.