South African Branch and Low-Volume Railway Lines

Railway History Group, 1995,  softcover, illustrated, 42 pages, condition: very good.

Away back in 1883 scents were not in farmer's minds when they convinced London-based entrepreneurs to set up the Cape Central Railway Company to build a railway down the Breede valley from Worcester to Roodewal with the primary objective of bringing fresh produce to the Cape Town markets.  These influential gentlemen were able to negotiate a subsidy from the Colonial government of £50,000, payable when the line reached Robertson and a further £25,000 when it was opened to Roodewal (now Ashton).  Under the supervision of their agent on site, Mr John Walker, public trains began running to Robertson in January 1887 and Ashton, 42 miles from Worcester, in October.  However, in the nature of such ventures at the time it wasn't long before the CCR succumbed to ox-wagon competition. Within two years of commencing operations the CCR was declared bankrupt, Mr Walker was removed and a liquidator, Sir Thomas Scanlon, appointed. This worthy kept things going for another three-and-a-half years until in August 1892 agreement was reached for the sale of the company to the trustees of an intended new company.  The New Cape Central Railway Limited was registered in England in February 1893 whereupon all Cape Central Railway property was transferred to it