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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 4 (August 1, 1932)

Railways and Sport

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Railways and Sport

Whatever may happen in other fields of endeavour, New Zealand continues her sports-loving career with growing fervour.

The triumphant return of the All Blacks from their successful Rugby football tour in Australia, the remarkably large quota of athletes sent to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles, and the outstanding individual efforts of New Zealanders, whether at home or abroad, in all forms of physical prowess, have all helped to enhance the reputation of this Dominion as the home of sport. The bright sunshine, the clear air, and the varied nature of the country, with its rich resources and unfailing response to the right use of brain and brawn, have all helped to develop a race of physically fit people, with energy to spare for the glorious endeavour of competitive sport.

And now, to the attractions of the year has been added the truly delightful winter pastime of snow sports. This form of outdoor enjoyment has been toyed with to some extent in previous years, but with further experience and knowledge the sport has at last reached the stage where it can be regarded as organised. Ice skating is already a developed art at places like Lake Tekapo or The Hermitage. Ski clubs are in existence in various parts of the country, and these, by working together to extend the knowledge and use of the great art of skiing, have this year shown a marked advance upon anything previously attempted. On the slopes of Mt. Egmont and Ruapehu, among the Tararua Ranges, at Arthur's Pass and in the Mt. Cook region, skiing is vigorously pursued. At Mt. Cook, what is known as the “Arlburg method” has been strongly developed, and expert tuition is available, so that there is possible even to novices a quick control of the flying skis in the matter of both speed and direction.

The day when a straight run had to depend upon either a stop-bank, a fall, or an expert sudden turn for its termination has gone by. Controlled movement all the way and on any slope is the objective, and those who witnessed the recent meeting on the Ball and Tasman glaciers certainly saw some wonderfully fast and magnificently controlled skiing by skilled amateurs such as Dr. P. Wood and Mr. A. Willis. With the important skiing contests to be held this month at both The Hermitage, Mt. Cook, and the Chateau Tongariro, National Park, the interest in this outstandingly fascinating winter sport will be further developed, thus supplying what has long been needed in this country, a genuine holiday occupation and atmosphere in winter time.

The Railways have shown great interest in the development of all worth-while sport in New Zealand, and make page 6 special arrangements for the conveyance of sports-lovers to their favourite haunts. The result has been that the rail is recognised the whole country over as being the ideal method of conveyance for those travelling to see or take part in this kind of pastime, so that out of the people's healthful pleasure railway revenue benefits, and with it the financial position of the country.

Mystery Trains

The striking success of Mystery Trains overseas should be an indication of how this innovation may be received by the public in New Zealand. During the current month it is expected that trains of this type will be run in the Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury Districts.

Beyond giving the times of departure and return, the Department is keeping particulars of these combined train and tramping trips a secret, and the public have to take their chance as to what may turn up.

It is anticipated that New Zealanders will be eager for these romantic excursions—outings where they are relieved of all planning, enjoy surprises by the way, and have a maximum of pleasure at a minimum of cost.

Included in the services which the railways are providing for their travellers are guides to assist on the journey, and free hot water at the place chosen for luncheon.

In every District where these projects are in hand, the Tramping Clubs have shown the keenest interest and have given whole-hearted support to a movement intended to facilitate healthful outings for large numbers of people under the most comfortable conditions.

Back to the Rail

In the course of an interesting article under the above caption in the New Zealand Traveller, the writer states:—

“Within recent years there was a tendency among the public to regard the railways as “bad boy” of the State's family—a culprit picking the parent's pocket; but the truth is now out. The people can see that the roads are the rodents, gnawing large lumps from public funds. The Transport Department's review of the situation showed that road transport (motor) cost New Zealand £28 millions in 1929—a huge sum, to which £4 millions had to be added for road maintenance—a staggering aggregate of £32 millions. The expenditure of the railways for the same year was £9 millions.

“In 1929 the total cost of transport (road and rail) was £29 per head of the Dominion's population, and it took a toll of more than £36 from every £100 worth of production (primary and secondary).

“Anybody who gives a fair measure of thought to that enormous cost cannot fail to see that one of the essentials of prosperity for New Zealand's industries is an easing of the huge burden of transport. The railways are in readiness to give that relief; they offer the opportunity to their owners, the general public, to slice a large piece from that terrible 36 per cent. cut of the national wealth.”

Railway Personalities. Mr. A. W. Wellsted—a sketch by Mr. Blomfield, of Auckland. Mr. Wellsted, one of the best known of the Department's Business Agents was recently promoted to the position of Chief Clerk of the Railways Commercial Branch, Wellington.

Railway Personalities.
Mr. A. W. Wellsted—a sketch by Mr. Blomfield, of Auckland. Mr. Wellsted, one of the best known of the Department's Business Agents was recently promoted to the position of Chief Clerk of the Railways Commercial Branch, Wellington.

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