West of the Tararuas

West of the Tararuas is an illustrated history of the privately owned Wellington and Manawatu Railway Co. This company built and operated the railway line between Wellington and Palmerston North before being bought out by the Government in 1908. It was noted for speeds that are only being equalled today, the first dining cars and a standard of comfort that put it way ahead of the Government railways of the times. West of the Tararuas is more than a railway book; it is a picture of a region at the turn of the century and chapters are devoted to coaching, flax and timber. Douglas Hoy's book is also the story of pioneer enterptrise against tremendous odds.