Vandals force removal of iconic locomotive
Date: 11 December 2008
An old locomotive has been removed from its resting place until the Department of Conservation can curb the ongoing vandalism at the Pourakino Picnic Area/Mores Top Mill site.
The seven tonne 1902 Johnston locomotive named the "Black Maria" was moved from the Pourakino Picnic Area to a secure site in Invercargill where it can be restored to its former glory after serious damage was caused by vandals.
Relocating the Black Maria
The Department is working with the Wallace Community Board to address the site's access and vandalism issues before beginning a development plan to highlight the area's historic values.
Over the years the ground at the picnic spot has been ripped up by vehicles, trees have been chopped down, the Johnston locomotive has been repeatedly peppered with bullets, and information signs have been destroyed.
Brian Murphy from the Department of Conservation said surveillance equipment was being installed to not only catch the people intent on destroying the place, but to protect future work planned for the area.
Mr Murphy said the Department was working on redeveloping the picnic area, upgrading existing facilities and improving access. The Black Maria will be returned to the upgraded site.
"It is important for the locomotive, a unique piece of Southland's heritage and a nationally significant piece of history, to go back to the site where it once worked," Mr Murphy said.
The Black Maria at Pourakino was built in Invercargill and was used at the Mores' Mill to transport the timber to the Longwoods siding where the timber was transferred onto the national railway system.
"The redevelopment plan might take a year or two to complete, but by then the site will no longer be the haunt for vandals, and can once again be a prime picnic spot and a beautiful resting place for the old loco."
A new route through forestry roads into the picnic area will be sign posted from the Otautau Main Street.
Although the loco will be absent, the site is still worth a visit to walk the scenic track and view the other important historic relics such as the sawmill boiler and arch bridge.