The Traction-engine Train.

Manawatu Herald, 22 February 1900, Page 3

The Traction-engine Train.

« The idea originated with Colonel Templer, the head ot the balloon factory at Aldershot, and he undertook the fitting out of trains. The country was scoured to get suitable traction^ngines, for of course only very powerful ones could be of material use in such a service. Uuder Colonel Templer's eye they were fitted up with every possible requirement, tried by manner of tests, on hills, rough roads, and sandy ground, and finally placed under the command of their own particular men— a competent little staff of 130 men, a captain and subaltern, six sergeanls, four corporals, and a good set of drivers, stokers, and smiths. All the engines are of one pattern, with interchangeable parts, to facilitate matters in case of accident. Some are armored ; each is fitted with appliances likely to prove exceedingly useful for other purposes than transporting supplies. It can saw wood and pump water for the use of troops encamped. It has a crane arrangement for the purpose of lifting heavy weights, and a winding drum and 75 yards of wire rope, by which it may do good work as a "winding engine." When guns or baegage fall into heavy, boggy ground from which no horse could pull them >• an engine could soon extricate them; - or it could draw guns over marshy eround where horses would be unable • fo obtain a foothold. How its own soecial purpose will be served may be •Sen from the fact that one of its attached waggons can carry sufficient 1 '

forage io last 3000 horses for three days — an incalculable advantage in a land of barren veldt 6 and sparse pasturage, consisting often only of sour grass poisonous to horses. Finally, the speed of transport is far and away beyond any to be otherwise contrived. At the best, says a writer in Pearson's, a train of ordinary waggons can only traverse 15 fo 20 miles a day, whereas a traction engine could with ease reel off from 60 to 75 ' miles. 1 ■ ___ -

At fi st its wind and then its rain, Its cod, th n be, then co d again. Such trying o ima'e brings on chills, And imi3t iucrense the doctors' bills i But what U that which sav-s esp'-nte, Which we can buy f<r tight enjence, Whio'i drive* m\ay all c>lds l.v sure? Why, Wm. E. Woods' Great Peppermint Cure.