While the census figures are only beginning to be issued, they are already revealing a decided acceleration in the northward drift of the population. This drift must be accepted as the outcome of certain well-defined causes. During the time that Mr Thomas had had charge of new engine work they had turned out a locomotive in 17 days, and he thought that was a record. Wherever he went, he felt sure that Mr Thomas would make a name as a locomotive engineer of the first rank. Mr Thomas suitably returned thanks for the gift and the sentiment accompanying it.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 03, 2016 17:10 UTC