the line had disappeared, and the twice-daily Monday to Saturday NZR service attracted an average of only 20 passengers a day. The commission recommended the branch should either close or be taken over by its users, the PWD, or the Gisborne City Council. There were no takers, and the line was closed on 1 April 1931. Remains Not much remains of the branch formation or other works on the coastal plain. Apart from the bridge piers of the Waipaoa River crossing between Makaraka and Patutahi, the most significant remains are those past the original terminus at Ngatapa, over which trains never ran but which illustrate the problems that would have faced the constructors if the line had continued into the hills. Beyond the terminus at Ngatapa the formation works take the proposed line through a 180-degree climbing turn before following a winding path across the face of the hills until disappearing into the bush. See also Palmerston North–Gisborne Line Ahuriri / Napier Port Branch Moutohora / Makaraka Branch References Bibliography External links NZ Rail Maps (Palmerston North Gisborne Line - Other Lines files) Railway lines in New Zealand Railway lines opened in 1915 Railway lines closed in 1931 Rail transport in the Gisborne District 1915 establishments in New Zealand 1931 disestablishments in New Zealand 3 ft 6 in gauge railways in New Zealand Closed railway lines in New Zealand