Otira Railway Station - Otira Express- Additions made 1900 - 1923.

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DescriptionThe Jacksons to Otira section was open for goods traffic only.It was then handed over to the railways Dept,so this scene with a passenger train appears to date from around that time.The locomotive is still showing the number MR No.3,indicating that it was the Midland railways Company`s locomotives that had yet to have the old numbering removed.If the photo was taken afterJuly,1900,when the goverrnment took permanent posseion of the railway,it can be assumed that this had not been done straight away.These engines which became NZR Class LA No`s 310 - 314,worked the Otira Express- the mail train between Greymouth and Otira.

Between 1900 and 1907, the train ran twice a day between Greymouth and Otira,returning on the following day.It was then increased to a three day a week service,which lasted right through until the opening of the Otira Tunnel in 1923.
In the photo, the typically short train,with horse wagon, two modern carriages,and guards van, stands at the plarform, which was reached by the traian running past the station,on the line at left and reversing back,into the station yard.The station, which also had postal and telegraph facilities,was originally approximately 33ftx16ft,but in 1901 was extended by 9 foot, and altered to provide a public waiting room.As part of the alterations a fireplace was built in the ladies waiting room.It was essential that, after travelling by coach in cold weather, ladies should be able to warm themselves by the fire before boarding the train.
With the increased otira population at the start of the tunnel works in 1908,further extensions were made to the station.With the opening of the tunnel in 1923, the site of the old station became part of the new shunting yards.

The substantial house at the left was the stationmasters house, and is one feature in the railway landscape that remains unchanged after 1923.This house was eventually numbered 467.

Otira Railway Station. McIntosh album 11. Ref: PA1-o-295-586. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23038047
Date of Photo1900 - 1923Map^[1]ContributorAnthea Rose

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Location (city or town)Otira Organisation (eg business)Otira Railway Station Otira Express

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Date Created2nd August 2023

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Otira Railway Station - Otira Express- Additions made 1900 - 1923.

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