page 53

Workshops and Mechanical
Engineering Branches, N.Z. Railways

The work of these branches embraces the building, maintaining, and running of all the locomotives and rolling stock that serve the transport needs of the operating service. Their activities are directed towards keeping in safe and serviceable condition nearly 650 locomotives, 1,600 carriages and 28,000 goods vans and waggons, and towards ensuring that these vehicles reach each allotted journey's end in safety and with promptitude. The remarkable record for safety and for time-keeping which is the proud boast of the New Zealand Railways is a direct and striking testimonial to the success with which these activities are directed, and to the technical skill and marked devotion to duty which are shown by the large staff of tradesmen, drivers, firemen, etc., on whom the service depends.

The Workshops Branch functions mainly through four large workshops in the four chief cities. These are factories of the most modern and efficient type in which the work of building and repairing the locomotives and rolling stock is served by the use of virtually every class of machinery, and the exercise of virtually every kind of technical skill known to the engineering industry. The product is turned over to the Mechanical Engineering Branch for operation, and the work of that branch ensures that despite wind and weather, hill, tunnel and dizzy viaduct, the lordly “Limited” and the humble goods train alike arrive at their destination on time by day or night, safe and sound.

It will be recognised that these two branches of the service are very closely allied, and that the successful and economical working of either depends largely upon the co-operation and support of the other. Although the new system provides separate control for each branch, and to a certain extent a separate organisation, the two branches are closely intermingled, and largely function through a common general staff in the Head Office. The varying needs of the running and repair services necessitate certain sections whose work is primarily confined to one or other of the branches, but that the efforts of the Workshops and Mechanical Engineering sections is harmoniously and efficiently co-ordinated is the chief task of the two heads—Mr. E. T. Spidy, A.M.A.S., Mech.E. A.M.E.I.C., Superintendent of Workshops, and Mr. P. R. Angus, A.M.I.Mech.E., Locomotive Superintendent, and their chief clerical officer, Mr. N. Ewart, Chief Clerk. The Head Office staff is composed of mechanical engineers, inspectors, and draughtsmen, and of technical officers and clerks, whose mechanical and general ability is devoted to directing and supervising the efforts of over 5,000 men, roughly half of whom are on the pay roll of each branch.

The importance of this allied force can be well illustrated by pointing out that of the total railway operating expenditure of approximately £6,500,000 (the last published figures relating to the year ending 31/3/31) roughly one-half was debited to these combined branches.

The repair and renewal of locomotives and rolling stock in the workshops necessitated the expenditure of roughly 16 per cent. (over £1,000,000) of the whole railway operating charges, while about 33 per cent.(over £2,000,000) was represented by the varied far-flung activities controlled by the Locomotive Superintendent. In addition, new rolling stock to the value of over £388,000, was designed by the Locomotive Superintendent and built in the various workshops.

page break page break page 56