Train excursion right on track

This pumping plant constructed by Mr H. Thomson at Ettrick is capable of pumping 8000 gallons an...
This pumping plant constructed by Mr H. Thomson at Ettrick is capable of pumping 8000 gallons an hour from the Molyneux for irrigation. - Otago Witness, 8.4.1914. Copies of picture available from ODT front office, Lower Stuart St, or www.otagoimages.co.nz

The Railway Department tried an experiment with a one-day excursion from Invercargill to Queenstown on Saturday, and so far as the number of excursionists and the management of the excursion was concerned there was nothing at which complaint could be justly made.

Over 1000 people from Invercargill and the several townships at which the excursion train halted en route were landed at Kingston shortly before noon, and were embarked on the new lake steamer Earnslaw, which, although somewhat crowded, proved herself equal to the test she was put to. In all she carried 1056 people, according to the official figures, and the run to Queenstown was made in an hour and 35 minutes, which is considered good time.

Unlooked-for delays which occurred en route made the excursionists about an hour and a-quarter late in arriving in Queenstown, and they therefore had only three hours in the lake township before they had to leave again to connect with a train which was timed to arrive in Invercargill at 9.45, but which did not do so until 10.10 p.m. It has been stated that in the two major respects the excursion was a success, but in some other respects it was not so.

There was, for instance, an unusual amount of inebriety, and while a limited number of the ale excursionists showed traces of excessive indulgence, there was a big section which conducted itself with reprehensible indiscretion. This was most apparent during the progress of the disembarkation at Kingston on the return journey.

• The position of nightwatchman is one of the most sought-after of all the work at a timber mill, according to the statement of a sawmiller, who was giving evidence before the Arbitration Court. This is the more interesting when considered in conjunction with the description given by one of the nightwatchmen of his duties and hours of work. The latter witness said he received wage of 2 5s 6d a week, working seven nights a week.

He received one night's holiday in the year. His hours on duty were 63 weekly, and during 38 hours he was off duty, he had to remain on the mill premises and got no extra pay. In other words, he had to devote 101 hours a week to the company. If he went away he had to pay a substitute. Five shifts were worked. On No. 1 shift he had to stand and see all the employees off the premises, water down nine gable roofs, close heavy partition doors, lay out the hoses, and perform other duties. If the booms broke during a gale he had to go out and secure the logs.

• A Clutha Leader correspondent writes:- Since the visit of Messrs Furkert and McEnnis, of the Public Works staff, to the railway works at Catlins there has been quite a flutter of energy in getting on with the railway, and many men are being put on. Shifts are to be worked in the ballast quarry at Houipapa and a larger engine procured to haul the metal up to Puketiro. From there it will be taken by the small engine down to Papatowai.

Rails and sleepers are being taken across the McLennan River in quantity. Long hours are being worked by the ballast engine staff at present to keep pace with the traffic necessitated by the increased vigour put into the works. It is said that something extra will require to be done to the McLennan River bridge shortly, which will mean a stoppage of traffic over it for a brief period, but meanwhile all is life and bustle and overtime. The station buildings at Papatowai are being pushed on, and the station yard metalled, and loop lines put in. - ODT, 13.4.1914

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