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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 3 (July 2, 1928)

Tarpaulins

page 58

Tarpaulins

One of the very necessary and most constantly used articles in the transport of goods on our railways is the tarpaulin. Though all acknowledge its usefulness, there are many who subject it to abuse.

Looking for reasons for this state of affairs one is almost forced to the belief that the rough handling to which tarpaulins are frequently
A tarpaulin (almost new) ruined by mildew.

A tarpaulin (almost new) ruined by mildew.

subjected on our railways is due to the fact that they are the property of the Government. Many users are under the impression that Government property can readily be replaced. Tarpaulins cost money—more, probably, than most users realise—and every tarpaulin destroyed means additional expense to the Department—a further call, that is, on the pockets of the taxpayers, and in nine cases out of ten the misused tarpaulin becomes the subject of a “write off.”

The fact that the tarpaulin has to be folded when not in use opens up a way for abuse. Take for instance a sheet which is just doubled twice on itself and then folded into a square small enough to be conveniently handled. This cover is placed on top of a wagon and, when unfolded, it naturally falls so that the centre line of the cover is nowhere near the centre line of the wagon—indeed one border will probably be sweeping the ground. In order to adjust matters the usual practice is to catch the ropes and pull them over the wagon until the cover is placed as required. Now, in the wagon there are frequently bars of iron, sharp corners on cases, and projecting nails in kegs. These catch the sheet and tear it. The evil, moreover, does not end with the damaged tarpaulin. The hole may pass unnoticed and the sheet, acting as a supposed protection for perishable goods, thus allow water to gain access, with the result that the Department is called upon to make good the damage.

In order to avoid damage of this kind, a tarpaulin should be spread flat on the ground and the side folded over until it coincides with the middle line. The folded half should again be folded over on itself, this operation being repeated with the other half. The tarpaulin should then be doubled over and folded into a square small enough to handle. When a cover, folded in this manner, is placed on a wagon, the sides will fall evenly and very little adjustment will be necessary.

How many railway employees realise what takes place when they fold up a wet tarpaulin and leave it lying at a wayside station—perhaps for days! Nature brings her destructive forces to work—mildew quickly playing havoc with the sheet, the life of which is thereby considerably shortened.

A further way in which tarpaulins may become unserviceable is the result of sheer carelessness; namely that of throwing a sheet on a siding and failing to make certain that it is clear of the
Correct method of folding a tarpaulin under the hand rail of a wagon.

Correct method of folding a tarpaulin under the hand rail of a wagon.

page 59 railway track. An engine shunting on this siding may push a rake of trucks over the sheet before its presence is discovered.

The question of the correct tying of tarpaulins on wagons is one of very great importance. Attached to all goods wagons are grip handles which are placed on opposite corners for the convenience of shunters or persons requiring to step up on to the wagon. These grip handles shoulde never be covered by a tarpaulin, because a person endeavouring to catch hold of the handle while the wagon is in motion might fail to do so with, perhaps, fatal results. When in position over the wagon, the corners of the tarpaulin should be placed under the handles and the ropes pulled taut by fastening to the rope of the opposite corner. On some types of wagon the top portion of the handle might, without undue risk, be covered, but the centre of the handle—the natural gripping place, must be kept clear for the hand to grasp. By paying strict attention to this matter the risk of accidents is minimised.

Observance of the above methods of caring for tarpaulins would do much to reduce expenditure under this heading. It is the neglect of the small details in respect of the articles in common use in the Service which, in the course of a year, adds a considerable sum to the cost of railway operation.

At East Town Railway Workshops The staff at East Town workshops recently established the fine performance of delivering five engines in one week, to the Traffic Department. Above is shewn two of the engines with members of the staff concerned.

At East Town Railway Workshops
The staff at East Town workshops recently established the fine performance of delivering five engines in one week, to the Traffic Department. Above is shewn two of the engines with members of the staff concerned.

page 60