The dignitaries of the maiden voyage "wondered, why the railway should have ended so abruptly among barren sand hills",[3] but they were apparently impressed by the meal, which had been prepared for the occasion.

According to a contemporary report "nothing was heard for sometime but the rattle of knives and forks and the popping of soda-water and Ginger Ale corks, which with some good sound Claret and a little Bass, cooled by abundance of ice, formed the staple beverages.

"[3] Initially, the railway was operated with great success, due to large traffic of sugar, freight and passengers.

The owners did not re-invest their earnings into the maintenance of their assets, so that the track deteriorated in the 1890s by corrosion, wear, rain and floodings and was in the need of a complete overhaul.

[4] Due to large storms in December 1896, long sections of the track became unusable because of erosion and flooding and had to be rebuilt completely.

[4] In the subsequent two years until 1898, the rail track was re-gauged to the new gauge of 762 mm (2 ft 6 in) by the internationally recognised railway specialist Everard Calthrop.

[5] Local people believe that curves were placed in the track because the railway company from England did not build lines less than 21 miles long.

An engine driver reported about the poorly maintained track and points: "About 150 feet (45 m) from the Carrington siding I noticed the points open half way for main and half for siding; at this discovery the steam was shut off, engine reversed and danger whistle blown.

[3] Passenger traffic was discontinued in 1934 due to safety concerns, and only limited goods transport was conducted, until the railway was closed completely on 12 October 1937.

They stated that "if the engine be defective the sooner the train can be stopped the better" and "if any vehicle be off the rails, the breaks (sic) in the rear must be instantly applied.