A Veteran Railwayman Passes.

Michael Travers, late enginedriver N.Z.R., passed away at Woodville on 15th January, aged 71 years. He retired from active service in August, 1916. The passing of this veteran railwayman calls to mind an incident of his railway-career some forty-five years ago. On that occasion he was firing one of the T class engines of which W. Ames was driver on the 2 p.m. goods from Dunedin to Balclutha. In those days (the early 'eighties) the Dunedin Peninsula and Ocean Beach Railway was in operation and the junction of this line with the main line was in the vicinity of the Anderson's Bay Road, which then crossed the railway on the level. The crossing-keeper also attended the junction points.

On the day in question the points had not been locked after being used by the previous branch train, and the engine of the 2 p.m. goods left the rails and rolled off the bank into the harbour, with the fireman underneath. Fortunately the tide was out and “Mick” was able to crawl out unhurt, but he had a close call.

* * *