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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 5, Issue 1 (May 1, 1930)
Interesting Comparisons — British and New Zealand Railways
Interesting Comparisons
British and New Zealand Railways.
The following are some extracts from a letter sent by Mr. T. Blades (who, until recently, was one of the permanent drivers of the world-famed British Express, the “Flying Scotsman”) to Mr. H. F. O. Twigden, of Auckland.
Mr. Blades has only just retired, after 50 years service on the railways. He was on the footplate when the last record for the “Flying Scotsman” was put up.
Gateshead-on-Tyne.
“I received the New Zealand Railways Magazines quite safely, and they are certainly very interesting to my family and other friends.
“I note the suggested introduction of steel sleeping cars. Our railways are now fitting sleepers in the third class compartments, and I believe they are proving very successful, there seems to be a move to dispense with the first class altogether. Our road buses for long distance traffic also provide sleepers, and refreshments can be obtained on the journey. They are certainly giving the railway companies food for serious thought, yet I am of the opinion that, in the long run, the companies will more than hold their own. As for steady riding, speed and comfort, there is no comparison. For instance, the railways complete the journey from London to Newcastle in 5 1/2 hours—267 miles with four stops. The buses usually occupy 12 hours and upwards—a great deal of difference to people on important business.
“Your New Zealand sleeping cars seem quite up-to-date, and I don't think we have anything here to beat them, yet they are very similar. I hope they will prove their worth.
“We were at one time greatly troubled with dust when the ash ballast was in use. It is now all slag ballast, and there is practically no dust, and the permanent way is not affected so much when there are heavy rains, as the water filters through.
“I see you rather mourn the fact that your engines are not being painted in colours. In that also you are quite up-to-date. Our companies used to spend a great deal of money on paint; now all goods and mineral engines are being painted in black. This no doubt, is a great saving as they are very seldom cleaned except when under repairs.”
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Wellington Public Libraries.
Railway Yachtsmen Win the Sanders Cup.
The Sanders Cup contest, held recently on Auckland Harbour, resulted in a “well deserved victory” for the railway yachtsmen who participated. The coveted Cup and miniature, won by the Otago boat “Eileen” (Skipper Mr. Geo. Kellett, machinist. Maintenance Shops, Dunedin), was presented before a happy gathering of yachtsmen, to the Hon. J. T. Paul (representing the Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Association), by His Worship the Mayor of Auckland, Mr. Geo. Baildon. The illustrations shew: Top (right), “Eileen;” (left) “Avalon,” (second place—Skipper Mr. J. Patrick, enginedriver, Auckland); (centre), the winning crew of the “Eileen”—left to right: Messrs. A. E. Dawson, Geo. Kellett, J. F. Robertson, and S. A. Gibson—the three latter are railway employees; (below), the skipper of the “Avalon” congratulates the skipper of the “Eileen” on his victory.
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