Effective Optimism.

An interesting reference to optimism was made by Mr. H. H. Sterling, Chairman of the Government Railways Board, at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Travel Men's League. “I believe in optimism, but essentially it must be backed up by action. A mere ‘hope for the best’ attitude is wholly incomplete and may be positively harmful, because without action it is almost inevitably doomed to be hope deferred. The best kind of optimism is that based on a full realisation of the position as it exists plus determination to improve matters, implemented by suitable action in the direction required to make the optimism come true. That is the kind of optimism that strikes me as having real value.”

* * *

The “R.S.R.” Model Railway.

In a letter to the Editor, New Zealand Railways Magazine, Mr. R. Hall, Palmerston North, describes the “R.S.R.” Model Railway at Auckland, and indicates its utility from an historic viewpoint, in the following terms:—

While in Auckland recently I was privileged to view that remarkable railway—the “R.S.R.” I expected to see something good, but the models exceeded my expectations.

Every model is an example of remarkable ingenuity and elaborate detail, every “gadget” that graced the original locomotive being reproduced in miniature. Of rolling stock, there is a splendid collection, all models being typical “N.Z.R.” vehicles.

The town attached to Rapata terminus is inhabited by tiny folk who wash clothes, pump water, play musical instruments, and move around most realistically.

The scenery in the garden is marvellous, and viaducts and tunnels are most natural, and viewed from a short distance appear to be real, as if viewed from a hill. In my opinion, the most important point about the “R.S.R.” is that in the years to come it will be a standing record of the long-forgotten types of locomotives and rolling stock of our State railways. Model railway enthusiasts will find it most interesting should they be privileged to see it.

* * *

Railway Excursions for Trampers.

“At the invitation of the Railway Department I went on the tramping excursion from Waipara to the Weka Pass and would like to comment on the excellence of the arrangements made by the Department for the conduct of the outing” (says Mr. G. Jobberns in a letter to the Christchurch Press). “I have made many trips to this locality, but never in such thoroughly pleasant circumstances. I have watched with keen interest the recent development of organised walking tours and societies for the encouragement of tramping, and I think the Railway Department is to be heartily complimented on its initiative and the excellence of its organisation in catering for the growing demand for week-end tramps. Another pleasing feature was the assistance rendered by the owners of the country traversed by the large party, whose conduct was such that no landowner should have any hesitation or doubt about encouraging such outings.”

page 18