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Wellington to Wonderland for the Week-End.
Turning Rotorua Into A Suburb For The Capital City.

Rotorua in 428 miles from Wellington.

That looks a long distance for a week-end trip. But the enterprise of our Department is going to give Wellingtonians and those living in touch with the Main Trunk line at or south of Marton, the chance to take it this month.

Excursionists who make the journey will travel about a thousand miles from Friday night to Monday morning. But this will not prevent them having two full days at Rotorua, as the special trains being arranged for their conveyance will travel by night and make quick runs both ways. These trains will be steam heated, thus ensuring the maximum of comfort, and counter refreshments will be obtainable en route at several of the Department's refreshment rooms.

There are thousands of Wellingtonians, as well as settlers in Manawatu, Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay districts to whom Rotorua is nothing but a name; for under ordinary circumstances they have not the time available to make such a trip. The place seems too far off, and they think a holiday there must be too costly. For such as these the unique opportunity now to be afforded will be wonderfully welcome.

It is the first time a trip of the kind has been arranged. The special fares are remarkably cheap. Definite information as to the total cost is available on inquiry at Railway stations or Booking Offices, and the people of Rotorua are ready to welcome with their best spring smiles the visitors from the town where the laws are made, as well as others of their southern friends.

The “Rotorua Excursion Special” has been timed to leave Wellington at 4.30 p. m. on Friday, 14th October, and arrive at Rotorua at 8 o'clock the next morning-less than 16 hours for the run.

Excursionists will have Saturday and Sunday in Rotorua.

Their return train will leave Rotorua at 5.45 p. m. on Sunday and arrive Wellington at 8.55 a. m. on Monday-a 15¼ hour run.

The Excursion trains are necessarily limited in regard to the number of stations where stops will be made to pick up and set down passengers, otherwise the project could not be entertained. Passengers from Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa and Manawatu districts will require to travel to and from Palmerston North by connecting trains and, similarly, excursionists from the area between Palmerston North and Marton will join up with the Excursion Train at Marton.

Fares to Rotorua have been cut to a very low figure, actually one half the ordinary fare as the following samples will indicate:—

These fares include the reservations of passengers' seats for both outward and return journey, by the special excursion trains.

Patrons can be assured that ample accommodation will be available at Rotorua. The prices range from 8s. to 25s. per day. Full particulars in this direction can be obtained and accommodation booked, through Railway Booking Offices.

Furthermore, the excursion train will be met by a committee of Rotorua residents, who will advise regarding accommodation, trips, etc.

Special entertainments are being provided on the Saturday night, including one by the Maoris, and the bath houses will be open throughout Sunday. Reduced rates have also been arranged for sight-seeing trips.