Southland’s railways through the lens of G.W. Emerson

A single photograph opened the door to a much larger collection of Southland railway history. While researching Heritage South’s Built Heritage feature on the Ohai Railway Board Office and Depot (Former), we came across an image on the back cover of Goldfields Enterprise – The Ohai Railway 1925 -1975. Written and compiled by G.W. Emerson, with grateful acknowledgements to J.A. Dangerfield and A.C. Bellamy, the booklet led us to contact the photographer’s son, Richard Emerson, for permission to reproduce the image. Richard was just about to rescan his father’s photographs and generously shared the collection with Heritage South.

A railway journey by bicycle

The photographs Richard shared date back to 1957. His account offers a glimpse of the journey behind those early images:

‘In November 1957, George Emerson, then 22 years old, took his bicycle down to Southland. I believe he took his bike on the train to Invercargill then explored the Tuatapere Branch, Wairio and the Kingston Branch on pedal power.’  

The story behind the Coalfields Enterprise booklets

The booklets mark two milestones in the Ohai Railway’s story. The following background was kindly shared by Lindsay Buckingham, Chairman & Project Manager Southern Steam Trust:

‘The 1964 1st edition (37 pages) was published to coincide with the "Farewell to Steam" excursions run by the Board. The excursion was hauled by steam locomotives X442 and Wab794 both of which are preserved and in the care of the Fielding and Districts Steam Rail Society. Wab is close to being back on the mainline whereas X442 will need a significant overhaul.’

‘The 1975 2nd edition (25 pages) was published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Boards line from Wairio to Ohai. The highlight of this celebration was a special train being hauled by F111 (a Dubs & Co sister locomotive of F150).’

 Image left;

Features on the back cover of Coalfeilds Enterprise booklet with the following wording; Farewell to Steam. Ohai, 21 November 1964. G.W. Emerson

Details provided by Richard Emerson; Driver and Fireman stand on the front of X442 adorned with wreath. The locals stand on the cowcatcher at Ohai.

A glimpse into the photographic collection

Richard has many photographs from George’s collection, and there is plenty to explore. For this blog, we’ve selected a small sample spanning different years, with accompanying descriptions, types, and locations relating to the Ohai Railway area. Together, they offer a glimpse into the wider collection and Southland’s railway past.

To explore the place that sparked this discovery, follow the link below the images to our Built Heritage feature on the Ohai Railway Board Office and Depot (Former).

1957 - Wairio

Wairio yard with La wagons being shunted. Ohai Board Railway engine shed on the right

1957 - Wairio

The coal wagons are being sorted at the Wairio weigh bridge. The nearest wagon is marked “ABay” - this could be bound for the Coal Merchant at Andy Bay Dunedin.

1957 - Wairio

Wairio Station looking towards Ohai with Goods Shed, Water vat. Note neatly rolled up tapaulin along the track. They are rather heavy hence left where they are.

1959 - Wairio

A178 has just arrived into Wairio Station with the Otago Southland Railtour train. Locals watches on.

1959 - Wairio

A178 is popping her safety valve with the Water Vat ahead, coaling Crane with tubs and the Wairio turntable.

1959 - Wairio

George Emerson has managed to take a view of the Ohai Board Railway Engine shed from the Water Vat. Photographers capture X442 in steam prior to running the excursion to Ohai. The Wab794 is parked in front of the Engine Shed.

1959 - Wairio

It is obviously a hot Southland day as a railfan on the ladder cleans the front of X442 while another looks on. Crew in the cab of X442 chats. Wairio Pub in the background.

1959 - Ohai

X442 is near the end of line at Ohai with the special excursion train consisting of the Ohai Board railway carriages and the Otago Southland Railtour carriages.

1964 - Wairio

The Driver and his young crew are probably getting familiar with the engines prior to the “Farewell to Steam” event later in a few weeks time. Wairio 7th November 1964.

1964 - Wairio

The row of pine trees separating the NZR yard and the Ohai Board Railway has long gone. The Wairio turntable is in the foreground, a rectangle NZR water vat and the large round water vat on the right. Some photograph’s were take from the top of this vat of the ORB yard.

1964 - Wairio

Frontal view of the three engines on display at Wairio yard. A178, X442 and Wab794. 21st November 1964

1964 - Wairio

X442 is shunting the carriages while the Wab794 is steaming in front of the ORB engine shed. 21st November 1964.

1964 - Wairio

Driver on X442 is talking with the locals, one of them appears to be carry a wreath for the smokebox. Ohai 4 Square on the right. 21st November 1964.

1968 - Ohai

Industrial Narrow Gauge - Mines Department locomotive with a rake of wagons.

1968 - Ohai

ORB No.1 is shunting with the clerestory carriage outside the ORB Office at Ohai.

1975 - Wairio

Alan Campbell controls F111 towards the Wairio Engine Shed. Easter 1975

1975 - Ohai

The Official Train with the Board Members have arrived ay Ohai to the delight of the young locals and adults.

1975 - Wairio

Driver Alan Fraser, an Ocean Beach Railway member stands in the cab of F111 as local kids wander the yard in the background. Wairio Commercial Pub.

1975 - Ohai

F111 rolls down the steep grade after passing through the short tunnel that replaced the old highway bridge in 1964.

1975 - Wairio

Another Ocean Beach Railway member, Philip Rowan looks amused at the line up of Railfans surrounding the Wairio Turntable as Hec Murray pushes.