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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 10 (January 1, 1938.)

Birth of Railways in the East

Birth of Railways in the East.

The first railway in China was opened 62 years ago, but it was viewed with such repugnance that the Chinese Government decided to tear up the short line. Eleven years later another small railway was built to transport coal to the coast. This venture proved a success from the start, since when railways have extended without opposition.

Japan's first railway was constructed to carry food during a dreadful famine, and when once the Japanese realized the benefits a railway conferred they were not satisfied until they had veined their country with useful lines. In 1877 Japanese railways were being developed and worked by British engineers, mechanics, and drivers, but the Japs are quick to imitate—three years later they were independent of outsiders. To-day Japan not only builds her own railways, but constructs engines, carriages and wagons in her own workshops.

—“Pohutu.”

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