Steam locomotive "Weka" built in 1876 (later "P" class, NZR 59)

Photograph of an image in a publication, showing "Weka", the first locomotive to be built in New Zealand. Inscription in the publication is partially missing, but appears to say "... thread of life ... by the author of "Mysterious Mr Sabin" ... The first locomotive built in the colony. Built for the Government, this engine was afterwards purchased by the Manawatu Railway Company who found it handy for light running". The article appears to be by Edward Phillips Oppenheim (1866-1946) who wrote "Mysterious Mr Sabin" (See Te Puna); there is no visible information about the photographer. This negative was copied from the publication by Albert Percy Godber.

First locomotive built in New Zealand, by James Davidson & Co (Otago Foundry, Dunedin). Later became New Zealand Railways No 59, "P" class, when NZR took over the smaller railway companies. See Back of File Print (385. Railways. Locomotives. Steam. P Class). See also "Cavalcade of New Zealand locomotives" by A N Palmer & W W Stewart (1965. p 43).

Note on back of file print reads "`Weka', built 1876 by James Davidson & Co (Otago Foundry, Dunedin). Later "P" class. NZR 59"

In "Cavalcade of New Zealand locomotives" (1965. p 43) by A N Palmer & W W Stewart, it says "Weka" was built for the Otago Provincial Council for service on a branch line near Oamaru, and was delivered on 1876 to the Otago Railways. Classified "P" 59 after the provincial railways were taken over by NZR. Sold to the Wellington & Manawatu Railway Company in 1882, and was used on construction work on the Wellington end of the line. About 1891, purchased by the Manawatu County Council for use on the Sanson Tramway, and about 1922 sold to the Mangawhero Timber Co at Karioi.

Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s).

Physical Description: Dry plate glass negative 3.25 x 3.25 inches