THE HEW CATTLE TRUCK.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2640, 13 June 1889, Page 2

THE HEW CATTLE TRUCK.

When Mr Maxwell paid his first official vi.-.it, to Hamilton some short time ago, in his capacity as Commissioner, in referring to the transit of cattlc by rail, about which the deputation had urged that somo improvement in the trucks was much needed, he informed them that the department had already in course of construction an improved truck, which he felt sure would do away with many of the defects of those then in use, and about which much complaint , was made. Since then Mr Jackson has had in hand the construction of tr.'cks upon an improved principle designed by Mr R»theram, the head of this department in Wellington. This gentleman, it will bo remembered, was present with Mr Maxwell when tho question was under discussion by the deputation. Some of these improved trucks are now ready, and are about being put into general use; and, in order to obtain the opinions of those who will have most to do with them as to their adaptability for the service, Mr Hudson arranged for a special train to convey cattle in thein. He entrusted to Mr W. J. Hunter the issuing of invitations to leading Waikato settlers, most interested in the business, to accompany the train, so as to form an opinion on the merits of the new departure, and to point out improvements or alterations as might suggest themselves during the trip to Auckland. This special train left Ohaupo yesterday, at about 10.30 a.m., with Mr Hudson and Mr Jackson, accompanied by some thirty or more of our principal graziers, amongst whom we noticed Messrs J. Fisher, J. Scott, R. Watson, J. Sea brook, J. Gane, C. J. Storey, W. J. Hunter, W. Hunter, senr., J. McNicol, John Hunt, Ed. Allen, W. S. Rutherford, Ed. Lake, J. I). Williamson, W. Gardner and others. There were two trucks provided, the larger one constructed to carry from 10 to 20 head, and built upon the bogie principle. It is claimed for it that the application of the bogie system will obviate to a very great extent, the jarring and consequent damage by bruising, so much complained of at present during the necessary shunting at the different stations, and as the framing of the truck is now placed on the outside instead of the inside, it presents a plain even surface for the cattle to come in contract with. Other very important features are at once noticeable ; in addition to the foregoing the trucks are much wider, sufficiently so as to enable tho largest sized bulluck to stand across the truck with ease, and is even sufficient to allow cattlc to change their places between the animal so standing and the side of the truck. Another great improvement is that the sides of the truck are closely boarded to within a small space of the top, reaching above the heads of the animals ; this will reduce the terrible crushing of cattle often seen on the arrival of a train opposite the platform, where people are walking to atirlfro. Thesmaller trnckhas abouthalfthe capacity of theother, and with the exception of the bogie under carriage is similar in all other respects. Such a goodly number of practical men availed themselves of Mr 1 ludson's olfer, that if these trucks have any defects they will soon bo pointed out, and as Mr Jackson was on the spot to hear all the remarks that may have passed, he will be in a position to remedy or improve as the case will admit.