The story of the Taumarunui branch of Gough Gough & Hamer Ltd through the eyes of retired serviceman, Ken Anderson. Like most tradesmen Ken started his working life in various other locations. In 1951 he served his apprenticeship as a fitter and turner at Wanganui Engineering Works Ltd then a spell with NZ Railways where he was involved with the repair of earthmoving equipment that set him off on his eventual career. He gained certifications in diesel mechanics at Kaingaroa then, in 1962, moved to Taumarunui as Service Foreman for Goughs where he spent ten years. It was during this decade that he began "poking around" the remains of old sawmill sites and machinery used in that industry. The result of this "on-hands" research led him, many years later, to write up the history of Goughs involvement in the King Country with this well-illustrated 200 page book being the only works showing the development of Caterpillar tractors in the area. A must have for every mechanically minded red-blooded male's bookshelf. View Sample

It covers the entire span of the years of bush workings, tramline and mill operation from 1903 until the mill closed in 1966. Kens meticulous research and use of maps and photos produced a much sought after book and his initial print run soon sold out. The fame of the magnificent tramway will soon be rekindled when The Timber Trail, Pureora - Ongarue cycle way and walk way opens, due late 2012. The Department of Conservation has done a splendid job of restoring the tramways spiral and building replica viaducts. This book tells the story of the remarkable feat of the original construction and the timber extraction that followed. Ken first published this comprehensive account of Ellis & Burnands Ongarue sawmilling operation in 2007. Since his death in 2008 his children have entrusted his work to Taumarunui & Districts Historical Society. We are delighted to present this reprint.