Verslag van die Hoofbestuurder van Spoorwee en Hawens (31 Maart 1948)

This writer's good impression of the SAR&H in the 1950s is reinforced by the quality of this annual report - no colour glitz of the much later Transnet examples, but more than 200 folio pages packed with information plus the folding plans and maps detailed below.

The high-quality heavy red simulated leather-boards, gilt-embossed to the upper panel, are still in fine condition, as are the unmarked plain endpapers, binding and x + 191 pp of index, text illustrated with photographs, tables and graphics + 2 blue card dividers separating the report, appendixes and plans and map. The inserts - with no tears and also fine are 6 b/w folding plans of Table Bay, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, Buffalo (East London), Durban and Walvis Bay harbours and, at the back, a large b/w map of the country's railway network.

Photographs include the opening of new line between Bloemfontein and Odendaalsrus, Lancastrian (freight) and Solent (passenger) aircraft, additional platforms at Johannesburg station, the Salt River locomotive assembly works, electrified track passing the 1200-mile mark, the introduction of a second luxury airconditioned long-distance passenger train ("Oranje" after the Blue Train), Brandfort Station (winner of the 1947 Lady Duncan trophy for the country's best-kept station), passenger and freight road motor services and coal and refrigerated rail services.

There is no foxing or other discolouration except for a 150 mm long grey stain on the lower half of pp 28/29, which does not obscure the text (see one of the images).

With only 470 copies printed, this report will appeal to a rail or transport buff who reads Afrikaans.