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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 5 (September 24, 1926)

The Wagon's Reverie

page 5

The Wagon's Reverie

My wheels have squealed on the frosted steel
Of a southern wintry world;
My sides have baked as I hauled my freight
Where volcanic duststorms swirled.
I've been frozen fast to a crossing track
In the Central Otago Pass,
And I've raced through a cloak of acrid smoke,
From the burning tussock grass.
I've travelled far in an aimless way,
As thousands of cars have done,
And at least I've learned that I have not earned
My keep in the long, long run.
I've been thinking to-night of the wasted miles
And the cargoes for which I've cried,
When ends didn't meet on the tonnage sheet
Because of an empty ride.
I've been routed home on an empty train
From every branch of road;
From Wanganui or to Wingatui
I've been billed with half a load,
I've come out of the Thames on a special train
With gold under heavy guard;
Then again I've sat till my wheels grew flat
In Frankton's congested yard.
I've been dreaming to-night as I hurried along
Of those carefree days of yore—
Of the tonnage small, on the outbound haul,
With an empty trip home in store,
And yet, though pleasant my dreams have been
I find they are fading fast;
And I breathe no sigh for the days gone by
For I'm paying my way, at last.

During the term of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition held at Dunedin, the New Zealand Railways exhibits, including the “Ab” class locomotive “Passehendael,” the new sleeping car (both of which were constructed in the Department's workshops) and the advertising and general display, created unusual interest and won unstinted praise. A photograph of the special Diploma of Merit which the Exhibition authorities awarded for the sleeping car exhibit is reproduced above. Similar diplomas were awarded for the “Ab” locomotive and the advertising and general display.

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Ferny Entrance to Waitcmo Fairy Cave (North Island Main Trunk)

Ferny Entrance to Waitcmo Fairy Cave (North Island Main Trunk)