The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 10, Issue 2 (May 1, 1935)
New Zealand Transport — From an Overseas Angle
New Zealand Transport
From an Overseas Angle.
In a series of articles, “Impressions of Overseas Transport,” appearing in “The Railway Gazette,” Mr. A. W. Arthurton (formerly Secretary of the British Railways Press Bureau) has the following interesting introduction to an article on road competition with the New Zealand Railways:—
“On my visit to New Zealand, it was my good fortune to bear a letter of introduction to Mr. H. H. Sterling, Chairman of the Railways Board, and I thus found the way considerably smoother for my investigation of transport conditions in the country. An hour or so spent in his company left me with the impression of a dynamic personality which, added to intense application, practical knowledge, and vivid imagination, has enabled the New Zealand Government Railways to survive the depression and brought them to comparative prosperity. As I afterwards found in touring the country, he has been instrumental in evolving an efficient and progressive railway system which must be of inestimable benefit to the Dominion and its people.
(Rly. Publicity photo.)
New Zealand's new Governor-General arrives in Wellington. Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Galway stepping from the gangway of the Rangitate to be received by Sir Michael Myers and the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates on 12th April, 1935.
(Rly. Publicity photo.)
The Arthur River, Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand.
Between the Clinton Canyon and the Arthur River is the famous McKinnon Pass. The Arthur valley is part of the magic Milford track, and a traveller (Mr. E. E. Muir) found it rich in bird life, particularly in bellbird (makomako). “Passing under one tree there were as many as six bellbirds singing, almost in unison, together, while others were warbling nearby. We could not but stand and listen spellbound to this wonderful choir of the wilderness.” Both in the Clinton and in the Arthur abundance of native birds were found, and the weka was charmingly inquisitive.
But now the clouds in airy tumult fly;
The sun, emerging, opens an azure sky;
A fresher green the smiling leaves display,
And glittering as they tremble, cheer the day.
Parnell.