MAIN TRUNK LINE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13676, 19 August 1908, Page 5

MAIN TRUNK LINE.

RETURN TRIP FROM AUCKLAND,

Per Press Association.

WAIOURU, August 18. The special -train conveying the. Parliamentary party by the Main Trunk railway from the entertainment of the American Fleet left- Auckland on the return journey to Wellington last night at 10.20 p.m. the advertised -time, steaming out of the station to the minute. The train is" carrying a few more passengers than on. the outward trip and is due to arrive at Wellington at 6.10 p.m. to-day. At the present stage of the journey it is about half an hour behind schedule time.

The trip on this occasion is being, accomplished under condition presenting .a complete contrast to those : prevailing' on the outward journey. All day yesterday torrential rain fell irf Auckland-- and-ever since the journey started, the rain has continued, with but one gleam, of sunshine. of half- a minute's duration on the Waimarino plains. Tongariro, Ngaruahoe, and Ruapehu, which erstwhile were': seen to perfection b.athed- : in jsunlight,- : were this morning:invisible)Rowing-■ to the' mist. The train sped over the Makatote; viaduct-on this occasion without stopping and Ruapehu on the one hand and Egmont on the other seemed to..have dis-; appeared. ■■:-:.,■ A slight mishap occurred at Taumarunui; early this morning. The engine which had been despatched to water, ran back ■ too quickly, the result being a severe, concussion felt'throughout the train arid some of ■ the-windows in the end.doorsof the carriages Were shattered. Several of the passengers had their matutinal slumbers: disturbed. Otherwise no damage was done.- ■■ ■-v ". '--. -.'■:•' :J' ■■-.-■. His Excellency the -Governor, Lord Plunket, and familyy and- his staff, who left Auckland yesterday morning, travel- ; led as far as Taumarunui, where stayed: the night. A train of three carriages was -to be attached there to .-the Parliamentary train, but the load being ■ ' too heavy, the Vice-Regal party will follow later by a special train. • WELLINGTON, August 18. The special parliamentary .train from ; Auckland via the main" trunk line, steamed into Wellington at the expected time 6.10 p.m. The Prime Minister expresses, himself well pleased'"with the trial-'trips that have. been made. They have demonstrated that a nineteen; hours' journey can be. comfortably accomplished.