 The delays frustrated locals to the extent that they made representations to the government over their concerns at the lack of progress.The response was to the effect that there was a lack of resources – both men and money – for the government to devote to railway construction, especially considering all the other railway projects under-way at the time and that Nelson would just have to wait its turn.The opening date for the section slipped several times, being planned for December 1905, Easter 1906 then 24 May (Empire Day) before finally being set for 6 August.