A Recent Excursion.

Leaving Christchurch terminus soon after eight in the morning, the well-filled, steam-heated train sets out on its run to the mountains. The distance from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass station (at the eastern portal of the Otira Tunnel), is 87 miles and the train is on a gradual upward grade for the greater part of the journey, so that, at Arthur's Pass, we are 2,420 feet above sea-level. The country passed through is interesting, particularly as the line approaches the mountains, for here some wonderfully widespread views are obtained over the Plains and towards the Alps, whilst the snow-fed rivers of the higher country have produced many strange terraced formations in their wild, boulder-strewn rush towards the sea.

At Springfield, near the half-way mark, we halt for a welcome cup of tea, and then on, with a full head of steam for the steeper climbing of the last lap to Arthur's Pass.

On the day we travelled, Mr. P. A. Taylor, of the Christchurch District Manager's office, was in charge of the party, and he spared no pains to let everyone have as much information as possible both about the train trip and also in regard to the walk over the Otira.

Hear him in the talk he makes, as he proceeds through every car on the train whilst it is tearing along the upward trail of the lonesome Pass:

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He breaks in on the gramophones and mouth organs and lively discussions and budding courtships and quiet readings and occasional card games that engage the attention of travellers in the various carriages, with a talk like this:— “Ladies and gentlemen,

“Let me introduce myself as an officer of the Railway Department specially deputed to assist you with any information and guidance you may desire in regard to the trip we are now taking. In order to view the best of the scenery that is available, I would strongly advise you to walk the ten miles from Arthur's Pass to Otira.” Cries of “Oh! oh!” “Now let me explain,” he goes on. “This ten mile walk is the easiest in the world (laughter), and this is how it comes about. Arthur's Pass station at which we will alight is about 2,400 feet above sea-level; but Otira station is only 1,200 feet above sea-level.

“The result is that from Arthur's Pass station you only have to climb six hundred feet in the course of three miles, and then you are at the top of the Pass, and on the dividing line between Canterbury and Westland. Then in the next seven miles you are going downhill all the way and actually drop 1,800 feet in the course of your walk to Otira station. The road is particularly good, and is at present well-surfaced; all the streams are bridged and the journey should not take the average walker more than three hours.

“But five hours are allowed for the journey, so you see there is no chance of anyone not having time to get there for the return journey; and, in any case, I will be the last to leave Arthur's Pass station, and I will see that no one is left behind.

“I assure you that anyone in ordinary health can make the trip, and we find that the majority of our passengers like to take it. The scenery is the finest to be found anywhere, and from the summit you walk for miles through a wonderful beech forest, with snow-clad mountains reaching right down to the verge of the bush; there are waterfalls and gorges, and glorious ever-changing views as you walk along through the historic Pass; and I am sure, if you make the journey, you will feel well repaid for your trouble, and will have the memory of something worth talking about for the rest of your lives.” (Hearty applause.)

Few there were who could resist that persuasive tongue, the result being that when Arthur's Pass was reached, over 90 per cent. of the passengers elected to make the ten mile walk, the small remainder choosing to go by rail all the way to Otira.