Restoring the Track.

Repair work to the track which had been carried on without cessation enabled the trains to get through to Hastings by 10 a.m. on Thursday, 5th February, and to Napier by 9 p.m. the same day. The rapidity with which the track had been restored astounded all who saw the lines immediately after the first heavy earthquake had taken place. To all branches of the service praise is due, but in this connection the Maintenance Branch came in for special mention. The restoration of rail communication had a very steadying effect on the people, and when the first refugee train of twenty cars, carrying some 1,200 passengers, steamed out of Napier those remaining felt their courage stimulated by the fact that great numbers of people could now leave if they so desired.