Memories of Train Journeys

I can remember the hustle and bustle on the platform as everyone was trying to find the carriage they had reserved their seat in. Once that was done and the hand luggage was safely stowed in the luggage rack it was back outside to hire a pillow for the overnight journey.

Sometimes I would wander to the back of the train to watch from the platform through the open door, the mail bags being unloaded and the start of the mail sorting into the various pigeon holes inside the mail van.

There was always someone running down the platform with a letter in their hand asking the staff if they would accept a late fee to make sure the letter got to Auckland the next day.

There always seemed to be cups and saucers on the platform where people must have had to walk out of the cafeteria with their drink thinking the express might leave early and they would be left behind.

Once 3pm had arrived the guard would blow his whistle long and long and there would be a mad scramble to get to the train because at last we were off on our way to Auckland.

In those days there was always an electric engine to take the Express to Paekakariki where the change over was made to STEAM for the rest of the journey. The change over to a steam engine was a thrill for every young person on the train. The hissing and the smell of smoke are memories I still carry to this day.