West Coast teamster Bob Henderson recounts his 20 years of carrying freight and passengers from Nelson to the Reefton district in this memorable New Zealand book. Written in a surprisingly lively style, Henderson brings characters and events to life in a practical, witty way. His eye witness account of the Brunner mine disaster is only one of many stories which bring the West Coast's heritage back to life.
Excerpt: “First away were the three horse teams with their 60 cases to each dray. Then Tiny, having loaded his 40 cases, helped me to finish loading 120 cases on to the box waggon, which in its turn was soon creeping behind his tandem team through the increasing fog. ...
There we met the first of the returning drivers. Returning to where – the station, or the stables?
What’s up? Suddenly, there came from his direction wild cries of “Whoa! Whoa!” Then we heard a noise which indicated that something had crashed. It was followed by a rapid banging and louder, frantic shouts, “Run! Run for your lives!” ”
224 pages, A5 size.