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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 10 (May 1, 1929.)

A National Event

A National Event.

“When the courage of Canterbury's sturdy pioneers and their confidence in the rich resources of their province made a conquering drive through the rampart of the Port hills, they had no vision of a day when hydro-electric power from Lake Coleridge would play the part of magician for the tunnel trains.

“This historic day, marking a new stage in the development of a very progressive province, has an importance which reaches far beyond the district, for the Christchurch-Port electrified line is part of the main inter-island ferry service. This comfortable, smokeless, speedy railway has also another aspect to interest many thousands of people in other parts of the Dominion. It is New Zealand's first electrified suburban railway, and the results of the running will be naturally awaited eagerly by people who hope to benefit by similar installations elsewhere. I am confident that those results will not disappoint expectations.

“Although installed primarily on aesthetic grounds, the economic effects of this electrification will be carefully watched, and should prove a useful guide to the Government in deciding the question of electrification in other areas.

“As the Minister of Railways, I am pleased to be associated with Canterbury in the inauguration of the change from steam to electric traction on the Christchurch-Lyttelton line, and I congratulate the officers of the Railways and Public Works Departments who have carried out the work efficiently at a cost substantially below the estimate.

“Finally, I see in the opening ceremony an excellent object-lesson in vindication of the great hydro-electric policy which is making New Zealand one of the world's leading countries in the provision of cheap electric power. The Lake Coleridge station, which supplies the current for this line, was the first big feat of the kind in New Zealand. That programme has gone steadily ahead during recent years, and will continue until the national ideal of the best power at the lowest price has been achieved.”

Minister of Railways.