Kaitangata Line

In 1873 local residents petitioned the Provincial Government to construct a Branch Line from the South Island Main Trunk to Ropers Creek near Kaitangata to enable coal to be easily transported from the mines.

[1] In 1874 the Provincial Government applied for consent to raise a £27,750 loan to construct the Branch line with an extension as far as Coal Point.

The New Zealand Government Inspector, Mr G B Bruce of Westminster, checked the quality of these products prior to them being shipped on the Mataura.

Ballasting was completed on 31 March and although the line was considered ready for traffic, its formal opening was announced to be held on 1 May.

[23] The rates being charged by the Company were one shilling 6 pence (1/6) for passengers from Kaitangata to Stirling, 2/6 per ton for grain, and 10/- per truck for firewood.

[25] A severe flood in late September 1878 undermined the railway bridge piles at Kaitangata, putting the line out of action.

On 21 February 1879 trains used the line to bring rescue workers and officials to the Kaitangata Mine disaster.

goods shed, and a station building were located at Kaitangata, 5.95 km from the Main South Line.

Until 1963, an extension ran down a road to the Castle Hill Mine, and for much of its life the line was operated by both a tank engine built to the design of a D class engine (built by Scott Brothers Ltd, of Christchurch) and an "Improved F" 0-6-0 tank locomotive, constructed in 1896 by Sharp, Stewart & Co.

[29] In 1956, the Mines Department took over the branch and in August 1968 introduced a diesel shunter to work the trains, although the F was retained as a spare.

[30] The F was donated to the preservation society at Shantytown, near Greymouth on the West Coast, where it continues to operate and is named "Kaitangata" after its former home.