Several months after the opening of the Greytown Branch in May 1880, a shelter shed had been constructed at Dalefield which, along with a short loop siding, comprised the few amenities that were provided there.

Various remedies were suggested and in 1912 the Wairarapa South County Council submitted a proposal to the Railways Department which called for the loop siding to be shortened and cattle stops to be installed so passage along the road could be permitted without the need for gates.

The council expressed its concern about the existing road crossing which, for example, caused problems when wagons were left in the siding thus blocking access through the yard.

It was finally decided to not proceed with moving the station northwards and a request for the construction of the approach road and cart dock was put in hand.

It was noted that the dairy company, which had been the main user of the siding, was planning to switch production to casein which would only require irregular shipments.

Dalefield was always considered to be a small station but at various times throughout its history served significant customers or sources of traffic such as an early sawmill in the vicinity and the nearby dairy factory.

[5] From 1936 when the NZR RM class Wairarapa-type railcars were introduced passengers from Dalefield had a much faster service to points both north and south.

The Wairarapa Mail passenger trains continued to run but in 1944 were reduced from their Monday – Saturday timetable to a thrice weekly service due to a severe coal shortage.