Slips, derailment block line

The Dunedin-Ranfurly line which was blocked owing to slips and fallen rock near Mt Allan about 6pm on Wednesday is still closed, and yesterday’s trains both outwards and inwards were deviated past the obstruction. The goods train from Ranfurly to Dunedin ran into fallen rock on Wednesday evening, which has not yet been removed. The two engines on this train were badly damaged, and eight trucks, including a wagon-load of sheep, were derailed. It will be a day or two before the two engines can be returned. An engine and breakdown gang left Dunedin yesterday morning for the scene of the accident. The train which usually leaves Dunedin at 7.52 for Central Otago will not leave this morning until 10 minutes to 12.

What happened to the orphans 

The annual meeting of those connected with St Mary’s Orphanage was held yesterday afternoon, presided over by Sir Geo. Fenwick. During the year the Orphanage benefited to the extent of £100 under the will of the late Mr James Sutherland, of Green Island, and the late Mr W.T. Talboys. It also received a grant from the estate of the late Lissie Rathbone of £250. The orphanage started the year with 36 children. None were admitted, one boy and three girls were discharged, and four boys went to the Boys’ Home at Anderson’s Bay. Two girls were confirmed during the year, and six have joined St Mary’s choir. Two girls left to have a course of cooking and dressmaking at the Technical College, as well as instruction in housework at home. One girl left to go to service, where she is giving every satisfaction to her mistress, and is very happy.

Legal advice

So many things in this world of ours are "advisable" that it is a pity they cannot all be carried into practice. Only yesterday, for instance, a solicitor, who was defending in the Magistrate’s Court an action for damages arising out of a motor collision, remarked to a witness that "it was very advisable to be able to see round a corner, was it not?" Witness agreed that it was. Perhaps it would also be advisable if cars could be fitted out with periscopes for this purpose, and until something like this is done the motorist will have to content himself with looking straight and being prepared for what may swoop round the corner.

Steam engines from Hillside

Considerable activity is now in progress at the Hillside Railway Workshops. Two of the new locomotives recently imported by the Government from Britain are now being assembled at Hillside. These engines are very powerful, and are known as the AB class. One will be placed in commission next week on the Dunedin section. Ten locomotives, known as the WAB class, are being built at Hillside. These engines are similar to many others constructed there, all of which were shipped to the North Island, and are now in use on the Auckland sections. The new locomotives now being built will be used on the South Island lines. — ODT, 3.7.1925

Compiled by Peter Dowden