23 July 2007
For immediate release
Big rail day out planned for Palmerston North School
Last year Toll NZ put on a free all day train trip for pupils of Tokoroa’s Strathmore Street School who suffered the
loss of a much loved teacher after she was murdered.
It was a great day out enjoyed by all and this year Toll contacted Russell Street School in Palmerston North to see if
they would like a free rail day out as last year the school suffered the loss of two of their pupils who died after a
tragedy at the Pohangina River.
The school were very keen to accept and so on July 31, all 300 pupils from the school will be travelling from Palmerston
North to Taihape. To make the trip even more memorable thanks to Fielding Steam the train will be hauled by a steam
train.
Special thanks also have to go to Ontrack and the Rangitikei District Council who brought forward the completion of a
turntable for steam locomotives at Taihape so this could happen.
Toll have been delighted at the way the Taihape community, in particular the local Rotary Club are lending their support
to the day.
On arrival in Taihape the children will be taken to the local town hall where a BBQ lunch and entertainment will be
provided before heading back to Palmerston North.
Toll Rail staff based in Palmerston North are overwhelmed by the level of support they have had from local companies who
want to help on the day. It is hoped that everyone will have a day to remember with fond memories for the rest of their
lives, as many of the pupils have never travelled on a train before.
ENDS