One of the most interesting branches of railway operation to-day is that devoted to the work of what is technically called “Train Control.” In the following article is a brief description of the working of the system, recently introduced on the New Zealand Railways.

The idea involved in the principle of Train Control is the achievement of a greater measure of economy in the operation of trains. In the Train Control organisation the central figure is the Train Control Officer in the Train Running Office at headquarters. This officer, who is in direct and continuous contact with all stations working under Train Control (and controls the movements of all trains in his area), is responsible for the correct and efficient functioning of the system. By means of a special selective telephone apparatus he is able, instantly, to call up any one or more of the stations and communicate instructions or information respecting the movement of any particular train.

On the New Zealand Railways, Train Control is in operation (in the North Island) between Auckland and Frankton Junction, and between Wellington and Marton, and (in the South Island) on the main line between Christchurch and Oamaru, and on the Christchurch-Culverden section.