Around The Lines
OR
"What's happening"
You're very keen if you've got this far so let's not disappoint. Some
model railways are just that; model railways. Werethuwhukawae, as you have
found out has a nearby airforce and weekly newspaper along with the normal
events and problems associated with a small community. Days could go by
with nothing extraordinary happening, and then, all of a sudden, everything
makes headline reading. Let's have a look at what's been happening so far.
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March 1947. Army called for an armed offenders call out.
(photo courtesy of Werethuwhukawae Times)
A person was seen with what appeared to be a rifle loitering near the
engineering works late at night. The police were called who in turned called
the army for extra man-power. Roads in the surrounding area were blocked
off from all traffic & the railway branch line was diverted through
to the main steam line for approximately three hours while the situation
was investigated. It was eventually discovered that one of the steam fitters
was doing repair work on overtime. No arrests were made as a result. The
Werethuwhukawae Women's Institute later provided refreshments for all concerned.
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August 1947. Signalman retires. 40 years at the helm
(Photo: National Railways)
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After 40 years with the railways, signalman George Davis waves goodbye
to his last train as it leaves the main platform. George started as a junior
porter after leaving school and remembers the station master having a dress
inspection every monday morning making sure boots were polished & uniform
spotless with pressed shirts.
"Even your fingernails had to be clean. Not like today." George
added with a wry smile.
Retirement will not mean resting for George. Being an avid soccer fan,
he will continue his association with the local club as its president and
his expertise at the piano will ensure his popularity at the monthly sing
a long at the local old peoples home.
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July
1949: Wing Commander's car stolen.
(photo: Anonn)
Although the offence of the airforce base wing
commander's car been stolen was not taken lightly, it was the events which
followed which caused much hilarity amongst the ranks at the base.. It
was when the wing commander stopped a dispatch rider shortly after the
event that was the reason for the mirth. His girlfriend (pictured) apparently
asked the rider for a lend of his cycle so both officers could return to
the camp. Naturally the story of the request flew like wildfire around
the mess & when the two officers eventually did return, (by taxi so
the story goes), they were greeted by the tune "Daisy, Daisy, Give me your
answer do" being played at full volume over the camp's public address system.
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Werethuwhukawae Railway"
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