■590 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION H. 



the ramp is simply unfolded, the truck doors opened, and the 

 sheep run on to the ground. 



For transhipping at a break of gauge station a strong fixed ramp 

 of simple construction is provided, as shown on Plate XYI.A, one 

 end being the proper shape to fit the broad-gauge trucks and the 

 other end suitable for those on the narrow gauge. The empty 

 train on the one gauge is placed against the ramp on its own side, 

 and when the loaded train arrives on the other gauge it is at once 

 run against the other side of the ramp. The truck doors are then 

 opened and the sheep nm through at a great speed, urged by a dog 

 which is generally kept for the purpose and specially trained to 

 the duty. The doors of the newly loaded train are then closed and 

 the journey continued on the other gauge. 



The time occupied in loading thirty-five trucks under this system 

 does not exceed one (1) hour. The unloading of the same sized 

 train can be done in twentj' (20) minutes. 



The time required for transhipping a train of similar length, 

 and which would contain 4,000 sheep, is forty-five (45) minutes. 



The advantages of the end-loading system are as follow : — 



(1) The cost of the appliances has been greatly reduced, thus 

 rendering it possible to place them at a much larger number of 

 stations than wovild have otherwise been the case ; also to erect 

 increased conveniences for sheepowners in the shape of drafting 

 yards, &c. 



(2) The speed of handling has been greatly increased, which is 

 of great importance upon long joiumej^s. 



(3) 'Jlie sheep are handled in large numbers and in a natural 

 manner, which lessens the damage to them. 



(4) The transhipping at break of gauge stations has been 

 rendered possible at great speed and small cost. 



(5) Through the use of the travelling ramps owners can load 

 and unload at any station, while formerly they could deal with 

 sheep only at stations which were fitted up for the purpose and 

 which, owing to the cost of the appliances, could only be placed at 

 long distances apart. 



(6) The cost of handling has been reduced, thus admitting of 

 reduction in freight charges, the importance of which will be 

 seen when it is stated that during the year ending June 30th, 1892, 

 more than 800,000 sheep were carried upon the South Australian 

 railways. 



