A suggestion worked out by the Napier Chamber of Commerce and the Railway Department for an excursion tour into the new territory opened up on the North Island East Coast Railway from Napier, resulted in a wonderfully successful outing, 918 passengers being carried by one train.

Public Enthusiasm.

The popularity of the trip, states the “Hawke's Bay Tribune,” exceeded the Department's most sanguine expectations. It had been anticipated that probably 500 persons would take advantage of the opportunity, but when the special train pulled out from Napier it carried nearly a thousand passengers.

Tutira, the present terminus of the East Coast Line.

Unquestionably the outing was of great educative value to the excursionists in giving them an idea of the great engineering feats achieved, and from the addresses made by various speakers, they learned that the Department was in earnest in prosecuting the work and desired the co-operation of all settlers.

The Railway Department is to be congratulated on the excellent manner in which the excursion was carried out.

Scenes at Napier.

Long before the departure of the train for Tutira the Napier railway station was thronged with excursionists, reminding one of the holiday season at its height. The Waipukurau train brought quite a number from Central Hawke's Bay, and, on arrival at Hastings, seven extra carriages had to be added to accommodate the contingent assembled at that station. With the arrival at Napier of such a crowded train, the large waiting crowd had visions of either having to stay behind or else stand for the journey. However, the Department was not caught napping. A further nine carriages were put on, and, without delay, the large crowd of 918 persons was on its way.

Sight-Seeing.

Many contented themselves with standing on the carriage platforms in order to obtain a better view of the country they were seeing for the first time. To most, the run along the beach to Eskdale was familiar, but once the train entered the hills the outlook was new, and absorbed the interest of all. With the exception of the Esk Valley, the outlook from a scenic point of view was not very attractive, although the old Kaiwaka homestead, settled far below in the hills on a nice flat, bounded by the winding Esk river, presented a most delightful scene.

Generally speaking, almost the only vegetation consists of fern and manuka. Much of the country showed no evidence of good soil, and the need of fertilisers was stressed later by speakers at Tutira. With the advent of the railway the possibilities of this country are improved.

For some considerable distance the line follows the winding Esk river. After the crossing, it quickly rises in a consistent grade to hundreds of feet above and overlooking the river. For the greater part, the track for the line has been carved out of the hillside, so that on one hand there is the face of a cutting, and on the other a sheer drop down to the river. page 25 Wherever the route was not practical for cuttings, tunnels have been constructed, and in some cases small hills have been almost taken away in order to give the bends an increased radius.

A Splendid Feat.

Undoubtedly the principal item of interest was the great steel viaduct at Waikoau. Crossing the river some 235 feet below, the great undertaking soon gave to the sightseers an idea of the magnitude of the work involved. The great steel girders, supported by massive towers set in heavy concrete foundations, were viewed with something like awe. Some idea was gained from this work of the other viaducts that are to be erected further along the route, two of which will be much larger structures.

The Country Between Napier and Tutira.
The view shows the excursion train en route. The train consisted of seventeen cars and was drawn by three engines.

At Tutira.

Upon arrival at Tutira soon after 1 o'clock, the excursionists quickly scattered to have lunch. The Department very thoughtfully had provided an ample supply of hot water, which was greatly appreciated by all. Quite a number made off to have a hurried look at the beautiful Tutira lake, nestled among the hills about three-quarters of a mile away. It was unanimously agreed that an excursion arranged to that delightful lake would be a most popular movement.

The Speeches.

Prior to commencing the return journey, opportunity was taken to address the gathering by various railway officials and other gentlemen.

Mr. A. E. Harston, chairman of the Napier Chamber of Commerce, stated that as a result of the courtesy and attention given to the matter by the railway officials, the trip had eventuated, and he offered the thanks of the Chamber of Commerce to the Railway Department for the opportunity given of seeing the great work undertaken. He also expressed pleasure at the spontaneous manner in which the public had responded.

The Purpose of the Railway.

Mr. H. M. Campbell, M.P., in most fitting remarks, stated that he agreed entirely with the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates when he said that it was impossible without railways to make light country such as Kaiwaka and Tutira pay. By means of the railway, cheaper fertilisers can be available, and by their application primary production is soon increased. The competition of motor traffic was causing some concern to the Railway Department, but he could assure settlers that the railways could supply their needs much more efficiently than could the motor lorries. Better means would be afforded by the railways of getting produce to the port, and he was satisfied that in time it would be a payable proposition. In conclusion, Mr. Campbell said that the trip would afford many townspeople some idea of the nature of the difficulties that the back country settlers had to contend with and of the struggle that had been made to overcome these difficulties.

Hopes for the Future.

Mr. T. Lambert, representing the Wairoa Chamber of Commerce, hoped that before long the “iron horse” would be seen daily on the Napier-Wairoa line. He was of the opinion that there was nothing on wheels to beat the railway engine. With cheap fertilisers the East Coast would double its production within fifteen years.

Support the Railways.

An apology for the unavoidable absence of Mr. H. H. Sterling, General Manager of the Railways, was tendered by Mr. E. Casey, North Island Superintendent. As an old Napier boy he was pleased to participate with the Hawke's Bay people in having a look at the Napier-Cisborne line as far as Tutira, and to realise its great importance to the district. Speaking on the policy of the Railway Department he said that it was out to give service as cheaply as it could. Railways were not only a commercial proposition but also one of development, and if the Department's balance-sheet could only be credited with the increased land values and increased productivity brought about by the construction of the railways, the question of the failure of the Department to make the railways pay would never be raised. He wished settlers to remember that when they were dealing with the Railway Department they were dealing, with friends, and that when they used the trains they were the Department's guests. The Department were out to do their job well, and, to achieve that, it sought the co-operation of all. If there was anything that needed remedying the Department, if approached, would have it attended to. That was their idea of service. The Department hoped to increase the service, and dispense with any jarring note between themselves and their clients.

Mr. Casey, North Island Divisional Superin tendent, addressing the gathering at Tutira.

When it was realised, said Mr. Casey, that the Department had invested the huge sum of £51,000,000 and employed nearly 19,000 men, its value as a developmental asset would not be overlooked. The railway looked to the primary producer for revenue, and, after bringing cheap fertilisers to them, the Department wanted to bring back the products in return.

Development Follows Railways.

Mr. D. Rodie, commercial manager for the New Zealand Railways, stated that during his thirty-three years' connection with the Railway Department, he had seen much country opened up by the railway, and had seen how it had been improved by the application of cheap fertilisers and by providing adequate facilities for the carrying of stock. Speaking of the line beyond Tutira, he said that it was under construction practically all the way, and in two years he estimated that a further eighteen miles would be opened up. He urged settlers to make use of the Department's, commercial agent in the district, Mr. McNeil, who would be only too ready to give any advice and assistance sought after.

Settlers Lot Already Improved.

On behalf of the residents of Tutira, Mr. V. Barry, chairman of the Tutira Farmers' Union, extended a welcome to the excursionists. He expressed appreciation to the Department for the wonderful improvement that had been made to the country by the opening of the line. In five years the settlers' costs had been reduced by 500 per cent., and the land was able to take one and a half sheep per acre instead of a sheep to two acres as formerly. In another five years he expected that it would take three sheep per acre. He said that the relative merits of the railway and motor page 27 traffic was a big problem, but as far as providing cheap fertilisers and cheap transport of stock, the railway was, by far, more preferable.

Mr. J. H. Joll, representing the H.B. Farmers' Union, congratulated the Department on the great engineering work that had been achieved, and the way in which many difficulties had been overcome. The line had been wanted for many years, and he hoped that the country would develop rapidly as a result of being opened up.

Mr. Trevor Smith, Public Works Engineer, gave a most interesting survey of the construction work on this interesting section of railway.

Pleasing our Patrons.

In a letter to the General Manager of Railways, Mr. H. H. Sterling, Mr. A. J. Hutchinson, Chairman of Trustees of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind (Auckland) refers, in the following appreciative terms, to the courtesy and kindness shewn by members of the staff to the boys of the Jubilee Institute Band which recently toured the Dominion:—

Box 87, Auckland,

Dear Mr. Sterling,— 14/12/28.

The boys returned (Jubilee Institute Band) on Saturday last after a most successful and profitable trip through New Zealand. Mr. Mackenzie (the Band Master) and Mr. Byers (House Master) since their return have mentioned over and over again the kindness and attention of the members of your staff, from stationmaster to the youngest junior. Every grade of officer they came in contact with made a special effort to help. The arrangements made were far more than we anticipated. At every meeting Mr. Mackenzie made mention of this fact. We are indeed grateful and thankful. It was a free job as far as the Railways were concerned, but it proved a great gift—cheerfully given.

Members of the Committee and the officers of the Railway Department who worked energetically for the success of the East Coast Railway Excursion.

Another thing that is well worth mentioning is that the porters, luggage men, etc., would not accept any tips. “We are all glad to help you,” they said.

When I wrote, as Chairman, and asked this favour, I did not contemplate that from one end of New Zealand to the other such kindness would be shewn. You have, in no small way, aided us to demonstrate the fact that the blind are not a hopeless, helpless lot, but a cheerful, happy body of capable boys and girls, men and women. Next time you are in Auckland, come out to the Institute. You will then realise just how much you have done, and that the blind are worthy of the service you have rendered them.

Again many thanks. Would you please, through your Magazine, convey to every member of the service our (the Board's and the Institute's) appreciation and thanks, and our best wishes for a happy Christmas and a successful New Year.—With kind regards, your's very sincerely,

A. J. Hutchinson, Chairman.