BY RAIL TO MAREWHENUA.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 37, 3 June 1876, Page 2

BY RAIL TO MAREWHENUA.

TRIAL TRIP OF A LOCOMOTIVE

A select party of ladies and gentlemen, numbering about thirty, left by special train at half-past eleven this morning for Marewhenua. The ostensible object of the trip was to test the new locally-made engine "Weka," which is one of three just completed for the Otago light railways. The " Weka" has been turned out of hand by Messrs. Davidson and Co., of Dunedin, and is, as we have stated, a few days ago, a credit not only to the engineers, but to the Colony. The cost of the locomotive which was tried to-day is £1,200, and looking at the price charged for a similar one at Home we think that

Davidson and Co. have given good value for the money. The locomotive, which is a six-wheeled one, is fitted with a patent spark-catching funnel, and a comfortable cover for the engine-driver and stoker. The water is supplied to the boiler by one of Gilford's patent injectors, and also a pump. The former is used when the engine is standing and the latter when running. The wheels tires, springs, and fire box, were imported from Home; but with the exception of these, we believe Davidson and Co. constructed everything else connected with the "Weka." The link motion, connecting rod, cylinders, and brasses, are all finished in first-class style, and go far to prove our statement that engine work can be turned out of hand as well in the colonies as at Home, of course providing that a proper price is paid for it. The boiler of " Weka" was also made at the Otago Foundry, and is an excellent specimen of Colonial workmanship. It is made of the best Low Moor Iron, and a good overlap is given to all the plates. Having thus briefly referred to the engine, we will now turn to the picnic party, which is fast filling a saloon carriage, bound for Marewhenua. The creature comforts, judging from the appearance of the guard's van, have evidently been carefully looked after by some one well up to the business. The " Weka" is in charge of Mr. Broad, who acts as pilot ; Mr. Amos following the pic-nic train on another engine, so as to render assistance should the " Weka" require it. The destination of the holiday seekers is Mr. M'Master's station, where the worthy host has provided everything to wile the time away pleasantly.

PER CARRIER PIGEON EXPRESS.] The Liain arrived at Papakaio at one o'clock, after a most pleasant run. The weather is beautiful, the sun shining out brightly. The track is in splendid order. Everyone delighted with the trip.