the transport of horses to the North Island, where the terrain was too steep for tractors of the era to handle. As road transportation improved in the 20th century, the line's importance slipped. Passenger traffic, in particular, had markedly declined from a peak of 18,000-25,000 passengers per annum in the late 19th century, and as it was no longer viable the passenger service was withdrawn on 9 January 1933. World War II generated increased traffic for the line, especially as there was a military camp located in Westerfield, but after the war ended conditions returned to their pre-war status. In 1951, the freight trains were reduced to twice a week and they now commenced in Ashburton rather than at the branch's terminus. Closure of the short section to Springburn had been suggested as early as 1930 and this finally occurred on 29 March 1957, with full closure of the line on 1 January 1968. Wheat was railed from Valetta until April 1968. The first 2.5 kilometres of the line from the junction at Tinwald to the Frasers Road crossing survive as The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum. The branch today Some of the formation, including embankments and cuttings, survive, while in other places it has been obliterated, often by farming activity. Goods sheds survive at Mount Somers, along with a couple of loading banks, and at Valetta, where some ballast is still in place on the formation of a siding. The site of the Westerfield yard retains a couple of loading banks, there are bridge abutments at various points, and about a kilometre from Westerfield School a couple of sleepers can be found. References Citations Bibliography Hermann, Bruce J; South Island Branch Lines p 14 (1997, New Zealand Railway & Locomotive Society, Wellington) Railway lines in New Zealand Rail transport in Canterbury, New Zealand Railway lines opened in 1885 Railway lines closed in 1968 Closed railway lines in New Zealand