Runciman railway station facts for kids

Runciman railway station was a train stop in New Zealand. It was part of the important North Island Main Trunk line. This station served an area that was once owned by James Runciman. People bought land here, and plots near the planned railway line became more valuable.

Building the First Railway

In 1863, a law called the Auckland and Drury Railway Act was passed. This law allowed the Auckland Province to build a railway. The plan was to connect the towns of Auckland and Drury. There would also be a branch line to Onehunga. This railway was the very first part of what later became the long North Island Main Trunk line, which goes all the way to Wellington.

Where to Put the Station?

At first, the railway's end point was planned for a different spot. However, James Runciman had offered his land for the railway back in 1864. So, the station was built on his land instead.

Early Days of Runciman Station

Even before the station officially opened, there were discussions about where it should be. The railway line was finished by late 1873. But the first passenger train didn't run until October 7, 1874. People complained about the delays in opening the line. Some even threatened to block the tracks to make trains stop at Runciman.

Official Opening and Name

The railway officially opened to Mercer on May 20, 1875. At this time, Drury became a place where trains could cross paths. It seems that Drury station was sometimes called Runciman. However, the name "Runciman" didn't become official until July 1879. Arguments about the station's exact location continued for many years. By 1895, the station had special facilities for loading cattle onto trains. For a short time in 1909, the station's name was changed to Oira.

Changes Over Time

Until 1917, Runciman station was right next to a level crossing on the Great South Road. A level crossing is where a road crosses railway tracks at the same level. Work then began to replace this crossing with a bridge. This project also aimed to make the railway track less steep.

Moving the Station

There were also plans to build a new Drury station between Runciman and the old Drury station. People protested this move, even though it was only a short distance away. Despite the protests, the changes went ahead. Runciman railway station eventually closed on December 8, 1918.