Page 8 Advertisements Column 2

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1928, Page 8

WORLD’S OLDEST TTJXXK'L. Just over 90 years ago George Stenlionson. tiio pioneer of the British railways, drove the first passetigei train on the Leicester to Desford Railway, originally known n.s tlie Leicester and Swnnnington Bailway. 'Hie departure of the train was the signal for the ringing of hells, playing of bands, firing of cannon, and great public rejoicing. Contrast the event with that of a recent Saturday, when the last passenger train was run. All the coaches were filled with passengers eager to make the trip, hut beyond the letting off of a number of fog signals there was little ext iiement. Two passengers who arrived just before the train departed, were eager to secure the last ticket, and this was decided bv the tossing of a coin. The first ticket, issued in July. 1832. is at present in the Leicester Museum, where the last ticket will also lie deposited. Glenfield tuntel, through which the line passes, b so narrow that all compartment windows are securely barred to prevent passenger* putting their heads out. From'Saturday night to Monday the tunnel has. curiously enough, been regularly closed by white padlocked gates. Jt is 'not generally km'wn that an accident on this historic railway was responsible for the invention of the first railway engine whistle. A train ran into a horse car crossing the line. George Stephenson, as one of the directors of the line, was L'M of the occurrence, and conceive,'l the idea of making a whistle to he blown bv the steam of the engine. Order* were given, and the first ra.ilwa-v whistle was made by a Leicester musical instrument maker,