The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 9 (January 1, 1929)
Public Enthusiasm
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.
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.