December, 16: The excursion to Romahapa yesterday for the purpose of formally opening the first section of the Catlin River railway was a pronounced success.
Between 200 and 300 people joined the train at Dunedin, and their number was considerably reinforced at intermediate stations.
Balclutha was reached shortly after mid-day, and a crowd of the townsfolk, headed by the Mayor (Mr J. Dunne), were waiting to receive the visitors upon the railway-platform.
The party included Messrs Macandrew (who came by invitation to perform the opening ceremony), A. H. Ross, Reid, and J. W. Thomson, M.H.R's. The latter gentleman met the train at Balclutha.
A couple of hours were allowed the excursionists at this station, and after luncheon they took to the train again, the gathering by this time being very largely increased by people from the surrounding districts.
The weather was splendid, and probably every one of the party enjoyed the run through the pleasant-looking country which this line intersects.
A distance of six or seven miles has so far been formed, and the line terminates for the present at a place which has acquired (for what reason no one seems exactly to know) the name of Romahapa.
Midway the line crosses the main district road from the Clutha River, and here a small passenger-station and siding have been constructed, the stopping place being dignified by the name of Otanomomo.
The land covered is to some extent swampy, but with proper draining it will develop into very valuable country.
So far this section of the line has cost about £22,000, exclusive of rails and sleepers, which have been supplied by the Government.
When the train discharged its passengers at Romahapa, a gathering of over 700 people assembled in front of the hotel, which is the principal building in the little township, and assisted at the simple ceremony which celebrated the opening of the line.