Dig for vintage traction engine finds nothing

A massive dig for a vintage traction engine in Wairarapa has found nothing.

Vintage farm machinery collector Mike Tatham had gained council permission to dig up the corner of Carterton's camping ground after "reliable sources" said the traction engine was buried there 60 years ago.

But Mr Tatham and his faithful digger driver, Dave Matthews, could barely hide their disappointment yesterday when after weeks of careful grid digging, they failed to find any sign of the old engine.

It has been decided now that the engine is probably over the fence in leased grazing land bordering the camp and Howard Booth sportsground.

Once the lease on the grazing land expires in a few months, the two men plan to be back with enthusiasm and digger to check out the neighbouring pasture for the hidden engine.

"It's got to be here somewhere", Mr Tatham said.

The traction engine has remained undiscovered in the camping grounds' northeastern corner despite the telltale land subsidence and reports from many sources that the engine was buried where the camp now is.

It was buried among other rubbish in an old gravel pit around 60 years ago after its boiler gave out.

- WAIRARAPA TIMES-AGE (MASTERTON)