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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 6, Issue 6 (December 1, 1931)

Through Rates Charges

Through Rates Charges.

Some adjustments of clearances and floor levels had still to be made in the tunnel, and these the contractors expected to be completed about 15th November, 1867. They accordingly advertised the following through rates to operate from the date of opening:—

From Christchurch station to Lyttelton station, and vice versa: Heavy goods 5/- per ton, light goods 7/- per ton.

From merchants' stores in Christchurch to Lyttelton station or vice versa: Heavy goods 7/- per ton, light goods 9/- per ton.

From Christchurch to ship's side at Lyttelton: Heavy goods 9/6 per ton, light goods 12/- per ton.

General goods from Christchurch to South bank of Rakaia, 37/6 per ton; from Christchurch to Selwyn, 14/- per ton. Coals: Lyttelton to Christchurch 6/- per ton, Christchurch to Selwyn 12/6 per ton.

Wool to ship's side at Lyttelton: From south bank of Rakaia, 13/6 per bale; from Selwyn, 9/6 per bale; from Rolleston, 8/- per bale; from Christchurch, 5/- per bale.

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Before the opening of the tunnel wool conveyed by lighter from Heathcote, 2/6 per bale additional. Wool waiting shipment will be stored at Christchurch for 2/- per bale.

Grain: From Selwyn to Lyttelton, 4d. per bushel; from Rolleston to Lyttelton, 3d. per bushel; from Templeton to Lyttelton, 21/2d. per bushel; from Christchurch to Lyttelton, 2d. per bushel; from Selwyn to Christchurch, 21/2d. per bushel.

The rates for wool and grain include weighing, marking, advising, and other charges.

The contractors undertook cartage between Rakaia and the railhead at Selwyn.

On 16th November, 1867, the Lyttelton Times announced that the rails were then a farewell dinner to the workmen was to be given that day. It was also stated that it was proposed to carry the outward English mail by train to Lyttelton on Monday, 18th November, but a few more days would be required to perfect the arrangements before the public would have the advantage of the train service.

The first through train was run on the night of 18th November, 1867. Engine No. 3, driven by A. Beverley, hauled a train of goods wagons to Lyttelton. This was a private trial trip, only the engineer and the contractor being present.