Donnellys Crossing Section

Although grammatically accurate, this is incorrect as the locality's name is officially recognised as Donnellys Crossing with no apostrophe.

Logging traffic was so heavy in the early part of the 20th century that the line was briefly considered to be one of the most profitable in New Zealand.

Two "mixed" trains of both passengers and freight ran each way each day, typically carrying significant quantities of timber from the kauri forest in the area.

In 1934, only a quarter of traffic came from the logging industry, and any hopes that a connection to the national network would improve the line's fortunes were soon dashed.

As late as 1958–59, approximately 15 people were carried per train, but the overall quantity of traffic was extremely poor and there was no reason to keep the line open any longer.

Until the Dargaville Branch opened, locomotives requiring major overhaul were sent to Newmarket, by ship or barge.

[citation needed] Donnellys Crossing station yard incorporated a double track bridge, one side of which was decked for railway staff; this side of the bridge has been adapted to road use, with the underframe still in place on the unused half.

It was in use until April 1932, when it was sold to the Auckland Farmers Freezing Co., Horotiu, who converted the engine to diesel propulsion.