Browns, New Zealand facts for kids
Browns is a small place in Central Southland, located in New Zealand's South Island. It sits just east of the town of Winton. Browns is also found in the southwestern part of the Hokonui Hills. State Highway 96, a main road, goes through Browns. It connects Winton to Springhills.
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Browns and its Railway History
Browns once had an important connection to the railway system. From 1953 to 1968, it was the end point of a special railway line called a "branch line."
Early Beginnings of the Line
The story of the railway in Browns started in 1883. A "bush tramway" was built. This was a simple track used to move timber from the bush. It connected Browns to the main Kingston Branch railway line in Winton.
Upgrading to a Full Railway
In the 1890s, this tramway was improved. It became a proper railway line. The line was also made longer, reaching a place called Hedgehope. The New Zealand Railways Department then took over the line. On 17 July 1899, this new line, known as the Hedgehope Branch, officially opened. Browns had its own railway station on this line.
Changes and Closure of the Railway
Trains carrying passengers stopped running on 9 February 1931. Later, on 24 December 1953, the section of the line from Browns to Hedgehope closed. This happened because not enough goods were being sent from stations beyond Browns.
A very important product moved by train from Browns was "agricultural lime." This is a special type of crushed rock used by farmers to make soil better for growing crops. When the government reduced money to help transport lime by rail, and another railway line (the Tokanui Branch) that carried Browns' lime closed, there wasn't enough freight to keep the line open. So, the railway line from Winton to Browns closed completely on 1 January 1968. Today, you won't find many signs of the old railway in Browns.
Education in Browns
Browns is home to Hillside School. This is a public primary school for students from year 1 to year 8. It currently has a roll of 24 students as of February 2024. .