Author(s): J.D. Mahoney

NZ Railways | Secondhand

There have been a wealth of books published on most aspects of railways in New Zealand. The subject attracts the interest of a wide audience. Topics examined include locomotives and trains, routes, history and engine crew memoirs. There has even been a sizeable volume on the specialised subject of locomotive numbers. These books have been well received and are a valuable part of New Zealand history. Oddly enough, one important aspect has been overlooked - the railway station, the subject of this book - a visible and vital component of the railway, and the railways face to the outside world. The railway station was the place where our well-remembered train journeys commenced, and the place where they ended. It was also the place where those who had a special liking for trains and locomotives, spent leisure moments watching the drama and action of the busy scene. This book examines an important part of New Zealand's architectural and social history. The stations were a key local institution as well as a prominent building. The magnificent station at Dunedin has already attracted the wide attention it merits, but there were 1,200 other stations of various kinds in the balmy days of the passenger train.