Steam was got up yesterday for the first time on the Josephine, one of the locomotives lately imported for the Port Chalmers Railway.
It had been erected in a shed on the pier, by Mr Amos, engineer, who accompanied the plant out in the ship Wave Queen.
During the last few days the promoters of the line - Messrs Proudfoot, Oliver, and Ulph - have been assiduous in their efforts to connect the inner end of the pier with the reclaimed land on shore.
It was not until five o'clock yesterday afternoon that the rails from the tunnel to the pier were adjusted; when the signal was made to start.
When the engine arrived close to the tunnel, it was stopped, and about 30 gentlemen out of the crowd in attendance, by permission found places on it, and proceeded through the tunnel amidst the cheers of the bystanders.
On emerging from the tunnel at the Mussel Bay end, the cheers of the populace from the houses and along the banks again greeted the Josephine, and were responded to by those on board her.
She sped along at good speed as far as Sawyer's Bay, going smoothly round some sharp curves, where the break was put on.
Considering that the line is not yet properly finished, this first attempt with a weight of over 25 tons was quite a success. A slight halt was made at Sawyer's Bay, and the return journey to the Port was then made at a more rapid rate, the iron horse whistling as it came along.
All returned satisfied with their ride, notwithstanding that a few were a little besmeared with soot and steam.
The rapidity with which the engine was eased or stopped was a subject of remark, as also was the quickness with which it could be started again.
- September, 11