A DOG TRAIN-STARTER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue XVIII, 1 May 1897, Page 559

A DOG TRAIN-STARTER.

There died recently at Lowestoft, England, one who is spoken of by the local press as ‘ a very popular member of the staff of the Great Eastern Railwav.’ He was a black and tan collie dog. and he was not appointed to the ' position ’ which he held by the officers of the company, but by himself. Although self-appointed, time and habit brought about his recognition as assistant train starter at the Lowestoft Station. Through residence at the station he had acquired an instinct which told him the exact time at which each train shonld start from the terminus on its journey. As the moment drew near, the collie became restless and excited. As the bell uttered its first warning sound, he would scamper down the platform, and, planting himself close to the engine, bark furiously until he saw the wheels begin to move Having accomplished the starting of the train, as be supposed, he would rush to the guard’s or conductor’s van, and hurry the conductor to his post. As the train passed out of the station lie retired, and was seen no more until the time was near for another train to start.