THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 11 August 1908, Page 7

THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

THE PREMIER, ON THE PARLIA-

MENTARY T'ltJP,

(Pei- Press Association.)

TAUMAKUNUI, August 10. The Prime Minister granted a Press Association representative an interview at Raurimu upon his impression of the trip. "I am very pleased," he said, "with the" running ■of the first through train to Auckland. Notwithstanding tho fact that the unballasted portion of tho lino where ..wo had to bo-drawn by light engines for come eight or twelve miles had to bo -crossed very slowly, we shall bo at Taumarunui on time. All on board tho train, from remarks made to mo, have enjoyed the journey. The arrangements made by the Public Works Department for conveying the train over the unfinished portion of the line were exceedingly satisfactory. Tho new express carriages are so much wider and larger than those hitherto used, and have proved superior to anything we have so far had on the Now Zealand railways for running and comfort. Tho stoppage of tho train at the Makat-cto Viaduct gavo the passengers an opportunity of seeing tho finest sight in New Zealand—a fight hard to beat in the world, with magnificent bush extending for miles. To the left was Mount Egmont, clear ad distinct, and thickly snow clad, without a dark spot. It appeared to rest upon the trees. On the other hand Ruap&hu, also thickly snow clad and gloaming in spotless white, was an enchanting sight, which impressed mo with tho feeling that arrangements should be made to stop for a few minutes on the viaduct, as is done at Niagara Falls, so that travellers may have an opportunity to see what is admittedly; a unique and extraordinarily grand sight. Again, one is impressed in passing over the North Island Trunk Lino with tho vast areas of native bush which, in a few years, must bo available to carry. lavga numbers of people. At Horopito, I was asked to perform tho ceremony of cutting a blue ribbon placed across tho line by some settlers, but as this wan not "an official opening of tho line, I thought it advisable that tho bluo ribbon should bo severed by the engino without anticipating the formal opening of the line, which will take place a few months henuo. The strip was severed accordingly by tho engine without formality, but th© incident exprescs'the vivid feeling of the people of that locality upon the event of the first thorough train to Auckland, and is practical evidence of their attachment to tho outside world. I feer confident that when the 'North Island Alain Trunk Lino is opened, it will become a much greater highway for passengers than the most .sanguie anticipated, and it?, operation for commercial purposes will certainly .help to develop trade along tho route o£ the line, as* well as tho'two centres at its ends. I should think that it will materially increase the ■prosperity of 'New Zealand."