Railway talk popular

RAILWAY enthusiast Merv Smith addressing the gathering at Te Awamutu Museum’s opening of ‘100 Years Down The Track’. TC120508DT01

Te Awamutu Museum’s newest exhibition got underway in grand style with a very successful opening, including an address by former radio personality and train enthusiast Merv Smith.

The following day was even better with a floor talk from Mr Smith. Over 140 people turned up for the floor talk, so many in fact, said senior curator Stephanie Lambert, that some people had to be turned away.

‘‘We were absolutely thrilled with the very high turnout, but unfortunately due to safety reasons we just couldn’t accommodate
everyone, which was sad, as it showed just how passionate Te Awamutu people are about this topic. We look forward to the day we have more space to fit in all who want to attend.’’

Ms Lambert said Merv Smith’s floor talk was very well received by those who attended.

‘What Merv did was inspiring — he opened our minds to what trains could do for our future as well as what they’ve done for our
past. Merv has travelled on trains throughout the world and he shared his great vision and passion for railways. It was excellent,’’ she said.

The floor talk was recorded, and is available for viewing on the museum website www.tamuseum.org.nz* The exhibition, which runs for six months and contains many pictures, artefacts and interesting stories, is entitled ‘100 Years Down The Track’. It celebrates the centenary of the completion of the North Island Main Trunk Line (NIMTL), and divides into three parts. Firstly, the building of a railway line between Auckland and Wellington that started simultaneously; secondly, Te Kooti, Ngati Maniapoto and the negotiations to allow the railroad to go through the King Country; and lastly the opening of the new service, the stations (with particular emphasis on Te Awamutu), and special services like the mobile radio studio 5ZB, and the postal sorting car.

The museum is open from 10am until 4pm weekdays and 10am until 1pm Saturdays and 1pm until 4pm Sundays.

* Click here to watch the video