The Romance of the Rail

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 2, 24 July 1931, Page 13

The Romance of the Rail

WyITH a fluency that was perhaps not inappropriate in dealing with fast-moving railway traffic, Mr. J. W. Fergie, on Monday evening last, gave listeners: 20 minutes compact with solid information in regard to the railways. Methought he was perhaps a trifle too fluent: that he would have been well, advised to. apply the brake and carry his listeners with him at less pace. Nevertheless, he spoke well and vigorously. _ Beyond question, the railways have played a major part in the development of the Dominion. Those ribbons eof steel have backed up the pioneer’s axe and added value in uncounted millions to their lands. Good and fit, therefore, that this service shall be pointed out to,the people, so that they may wunderstand how they are served, individually and collectively, by the steady, unceasing service of the railway man. Perhaps, if a suggestion is in order, the romantic side of the service might be developed more. Figures are suc.’ dry things, effective though they be. On the other hand, there is illimitable romance about the railway-romance which still lingers, even in these days of motors. What youngster does not still thrill at the sight of the majestic engine roaring down the grade or piercing the night with its long shaft of light; he sees himself the engineer supreme on the footplate, pulsing with power. Now I think there have been one or two famous speed runs in the Dominion: did not Rous Marten, many "years ago, describe a_ thrilling speed in the Wellington Province? Would hot that make a story? Then what about the ins and outs of safety devices: ’ the tablet system, the Westinghouse brake, the electric impulse and automatic signal, and so on? I am always curious about the things the public does not easily see or hear anything about. . : Mr. Fergie is obviously a keen and intelligent officer of the department, and I would venture to suggest that he would be rendering a distinct service to the public and the department if he could, on some future occasion, seek out the romantic side of a great service and place that before listeners, For instance, what are the actions and thoughts of the signal-man controlling the switches in a railway terminal; of

the driver of the "Limited" as he roars into Raetihi; of the attendant on the "Limited" as he fusses over his passengers