The Last Train

Old residents gathered at wayside crossings and no doubt wept inwardly on Saturday, March 14. The occasion was the running of the last scheduled freight train on the Moutohora branch line, now closed. The train left Gisborne at 8 a.m., arrived at Moutohora at 11.30, left again at 12.15, and was back in Gisborne by 3.30 p.m. Small groups of people, mainly women and children, gathered at level crossings and stations, and a few enthusiasts travelled on the train or followed its course by car, but in general the line, and with it Gisborne's hopes of a through railway connection with Auckland, died a quiet death.

(Pictures by Eastland Photographers)

The "up" train at Otoko, with the guard's van just coming off the Otoko viaduct

The train leaving Gisborne for the last time

Turning round on Moutohora loop, engine looks like it's really out in the tussocks.

The train crew and some of those who travelled on the train for the last journey.
Driver is Mr J. M. Boggs, a veteran of the line. He was stationed at Moutohora for 12 years. Fireman is Mr ft,L. Curtis. Standing on the footplate is Mr Jack Prentice, the guard. He spent his boyhood in Moutohora, and was in charge of many a passenger and freight train on the line.

Residents say farewell at Otoko

Sister Ethel Pritchard, M.B.E., who was one of those who was present at Gisborne station to welcome the train home again. She is seen here with Mr Prentice, the guard. Sister Pritchard was district nurse at Matawai from 1921 to 1949, and travelled on the train frequently in the days when passenger traffic was at its peak. She recalled with gratitude the help which the railway men always gave in cases of accident or sickness in the district.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 57 : April 2, 1959

The Last Train