Hospital and Workshop.

As the relief train speeds on its way those on board give their equipment a final inspection. It is not likely that anything will be missing, because one of the most important tasks of the Store Foreman back at Wellington is to keep the breakdown train provided with every requirement for an emergency. There are, first of all, a complete first-aid outfit and medical stores needed by a doctor in case there are any injured persons. At a glance one can lay one's hand on anything required. For the use of the workmen there is a crane on a wagon, supplemented by all manner of tools, jacks and lifting page 50 page 51 gear, a complete carpenter's outfit, powerful lamps and any additional equipment loaded at the last moment for the particular needs of the situation. Telephone apparatus is also carried, with which the relief gang can at once get into touch with the control office simply by throwing a line over the telephone wires along any part of the track. This saves considerable time and trouble if there is no fixed telephone handy. By means of the apparatus a fuller account of the accident, the measures needed and particulars as to any further equipment required can be notified to Wellington.

In the meantime the operator at the control office in Wellington is working at top speed. One of his first acts is to secure an engine from the nearest station where one is ready or if none is obtainable at once then he directs that one be uncoupled from the least important train and dispatched by itself or with carriages to the relief of the passengers of the wrecked train. In this case also, every facility is given the relief train to get through with the least possible delay. The train schedules are rearranged in the best manner possible, and stations are notified of the emergency measures, which are varied or sustained until the railway system in the affected area is again running smoothly.