page 40

“Tiger in Possession of Platform.”

The more responsible and executive positions throughout the different Railway systems are held by European officials. In the larger and important centres are European stationmasters with a mixed staff under their control; the small and isolated sidings, etc., are worked by a purely native staff, under, generally, a Bengalese in charge. Many of these are naturally situated in tiger and leopard country, so for the safety and protection of those operating such places, offices and living rooms have been provided, built high off the ground, and accessible by rung-ladders. This furnishes a degree of safety; for though the leopard is an agile climber, he cannot negotiate the slight, strong and open ladders. The tiger does not climb at all.

The belief in transmigration of the soul is very widely spread amongst the Hindu people. Amongst some it is held that if a man has led a good and virtuous life upon earth he is permitted to return after death in the guise of some innocuous or useful animal; on the other hand, if his life has been bad he is sent back as some predatory beast. As a consequence, Hindus are averse to the taking of any life, refusing to kill even under any circumstances, for the animal may be one of their own ancestors. They may send for some Sahibs, as a last resort, to do what they will not do for themselves.

The following incident, arising from this belief, occurred at an isolated station. A tiger had put in an appearance, and the staff fled to sanctuary. The Bengalese in charge there was in a quandary as to what should be done. He evidently must have got a brain wave for he wired to the General Manager, miles away at Calcutta:—

“Tiger possessing platform, wire instructions.”

Of course the General Manager could not do anything in the matter, his reply was terse and significant. However, a passing train settled things. As it hurtled through the station it scared “Stripes” back to the jungle, probably never to return again.

page break