EXCURSION TO OHURA

Taranaki Daily News, 14 October 1933, Page 9

EXCURSION TO OHURA

SPECIAL TRAINS TO-MORROW KEEN INTEREST BEING DISPLAYED. ARRANGEMENTS FOR WELCOME. Sunday will see a very large contingent from all parts of North, Central and South Taranaki make an invasion on the eastern portion of the province, provided the weather remains fine. The excursion that has been arranged by special trains from Hawera and New Plymouth out to Taranaki’s hinterland is arousing keen interest, the low fares and the opportunity of making a visit by the recently opened line into what to the majority of people hr Taranaki is still “terra incognita,” is making a wide appeal. The officials of the Railway Department are making provision to cope with a large crowd, and two trains are making the trip, leaving Stratford within fifteen minutes of each other. The first train will carry the South Taranaki contingent, starting from Hawera and consisting of seven carriages drawn by one engine. The second train will cany the North Taranaki contingent, and it will be a very lengthy one. It will leave at 7.15 a.m. instead of 7.10 a.m. as originally arranged. Provision is being made for twelve cars at New Plymouth drawn by two powerful AB engines. Four extra cars will be added at Stratford, whilst four others will be held at New Plymouth in reserve, and it is anticipated that all may be required, so that the train when it draws out from Stratford will probably comprise 20 passenger cars. All the cars, both first and second class, will contairi chair seats, some of them being the New Wellington express cars and most of the others the former express cars. A special ear has been reserved for members of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce at New Plymouth, and another special car has been reserved at Stratford for the members of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce. These cars will be placed next to each other so that the members of the two bodies can intermingle and exchange views. There have been so many enquiries from Waitara that connecting trains are being run from Waitara to Lepperton, and it is expected that fully a hundred will make the trip from Waitara. There will also be a considerable contingent from Inglewood, and they will be accompanied by the Inglewood Municipal Band. Provision is being made for connecting buses from all New Plymouth suburbs. PREPARATIONS AT OHURA. The Ohura residents are looking forward to the excursion with a great deal of pleasure and are making arrangements to give the visitors a welcome in keeping with the importance of the occasion, which marks the first influx of a large crowd from the older-settled part of. Taranaki into the town of Ohura. A strong committee has been set up under the chairmanship of Mr. Geo. Denison, chairman of the Ohura County Council, and including also among its members are Messrs. J. Freeman (chairman of the Ohura Town Board), and W. K. Williams (president of the Ohura Chamber of Commerce). . . In view of the limitations of the Ohura. township in the commisariat department, even though extra provision is being made, it is recognised that the majority of the visitors will keep the picnic aspect well to the fore, and will provide their own hampers. The committee is arranging to have large supplies of boiling water and milk available in the Domain immediately on the arrival of the train. A host of coppers have been set up in the recreation ground, which is situated within five minutes’ walk of the station. At the outset the committee was preparing for 500 people, which it was considered would be a large crowd, but as advice has been received that given fine weather this estimate will he largely exceeded, the committee has arranged to be notified as to the number travelling as soon as the second train leaves Stratford, so that ample provision can be "Asides the Recreation Ground there, are several handy picnic spots with beautiful river and bush scenery, including the Domain on the Tongaporutu Road • and an island on Mr. K. Kalhl’s farm. Finger posts are being erected directing visitors to these and other picnic spots, and Boy Scouts and Girl Guides in uniform will be in attendance to give any necessary information and directions. There are some swimming pools in the river that are certain to be patronised as S is also the croquet court, which _is alongside the ladies’ rest room. A cricket match is to be played between Ohura and Hawera. For the convenience of visitors the tea rooms and soft drink shops will be open and the Women’s Division is also arranging to have a stall on the Recreation Ground. • „ Should it happen to be we- the town hall and. Ohura County Chambers will be thrown open, as will also nodoubt bethe goods shed at the station, while toe train will also be available. Doubtless, too. quite a number of the excursionists will be visiting local residents.