Ormondville Rail Preservation Group Inc.

Crossing the mighty Manawatu River - 2000

Paul tests the (baby) Manawatu River for disorientated piranha and holes capable of drowning stationmasters' wives and nieces in summer - after his companions have realised that Donald McLeod's "very substantial-looking pile bridge" is no longer there. (McLeod's Sawmill's tramline crossing point from the 1890s, near Ormondville and the site of the 26/12/1899 drownings. Photo: Bruce Burr, 16/1/2000.)

  The ever-so-keen tour guide who shepherded the Working Bee crew up hills, down gullies (and some would say, cliffs), through prickle-covered shrubbery, streams (sorry, the Manawatu River), a herd of young bulls, and live and dead fences, both in sweltering sunshine and pouring rain, during their excursion around three of Ormondville district’s 19th century bush tramways, on 16 January 2000. Despite that, a good time was had by all aged ten and over. (Photo: Bob Brooking) 

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