THE PARLIAMENTARY TRAIN.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9170, 19 August 1908, Page 5

THE PARLIAMENTARY TRAIN.

BY TZr.EGRAPH —PBE66 ASSOCIATION. VVAIOURU, August 18. The special train with the Parliamentary party which visited Auckland for fleet week left Auckland on tha return journey to Wellington last night at 10.20 p.m., the advertised time, steaming out of the station to the minute. The train carries a few passengers more than on the outward trip, and is due to arrive in Wellington at 6.10 p.m. this evening. At the present stupe of the journey it is about half-un hour behind time. The trip on this occasion is being accomplished under weather conditions presenting a complete contrast to those prevailing on the outward journey. All day yesterday torrential rain fell in Auckland, and ever since the journey started rain has continued with but one gleam of sunshine of half a minute's duration on the Waimarino Plains. Ngaruhoe and Ruapehu, which last week were seen to perfection bathed in sunlight, were this morning invisible owing to mist. The (rain sped over the Makatote viaduct on this occasion without stopping. A slight mishap occurred at Taumarunui early this morning. The engine, which had been despatched to take in water, ran back too quickly, the result being a severe concussion 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 vva.-s done. Lord P'unkef, with his family and stall, who left Auckland yesterday morning, travelled as far as Taumarunui, where they stayed over night. The train of three carriages was to be attached there to the Parliamentary train, but the load being too heavy the Vice-Regal parly will follow later drawn by a special engine.

WELLINGTON, August 18,

The special Parliamentary tiain from Auckland via the Main Trunk line, steamed into Wellington tonight, at the expected time, viz., 6.10 p.m. The Prime Minister expresses himself.aa well pleased with ths trial trips that have been made. They nav.3 demonstrated that a nineteen hours' journey can be comfortably accomplished.