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The Romance of the Rail

Mr. J. W. Fergie, formerly of the Railway Publicity Branch, has maintained his interest in this work through a series of lectures from Station 2YA, Wellington. The following interesting comments thereon are extracted from the “Radio Record.”

“With a fluency that was perhaps not inappropriate in dealing with fast moving railway traffic, Mr. J. W. Fergie, recently gave listeners twenty minutes compact with solid information in regard to the Railways.

“Beyond question the Railways have played a major part in the development of the Dominion. Those ribbons of steel have backed up the pioneer's axe and added value in uncounted millions to their lands. Good and fit, therefore, that this service shall be pointed out to the people, so that they may understand how they are served, individually and collectively, by the steady, unceasing service of the railwayman.

“Perhaps, if a suggestion is in order, the romantic side of the service might be developed more. Figures are such dry things, effective though they be. On the other hand, there is illimitable romance about the railway—romance which still lingers, even in these days of motors. What youngster does not still thrill at the sight of the majestic engine roaring down the grade or piercing the night with its long shaft of light; he sees himself the engineer supreme on the footplate, pulsing with power. Now, I think there have been one or two famous speed runs in the Dominion: did not Rous Marten, many years ago, describe a thrilling speed test in the Wellington province? Would not that make a story? Then what about the ins and outs of safety devices; the tablet system, the Westinghouse brake, the electric impulse and automatic signal, and so on? I am always curious about the things the public does not easily see or hear anything about.

“I would venture to suggest that Mr. Fergie would be rendering a distinct service to the public and the Department if he could, on some future occasion, seek out the romantic side of a great service and place that before listeners. For instance, what are the actions and thoughts of a signalman controlling the switches in a railway terminal; of the driver of the ‘Limited’ as he roars into Raetihi; of the attendant on the ‘Limited’ as he fusses over his passengers?”