T

he North Coast Branch Line to zululand _

CHAPTER XII

NOTE. — The North Coast Branch Line is distinctly an 'i immense sugar-bearing areas, and in only a less import the seashore in the manner of the South Coast Line, bu Durban, it keeps several miles inland.

from the ti

The scenery, though decidedly interesting, is not so uniformly picturesque as that of the South Coast Line, but nevertheless the branch is not without its compensating attractions.

The number of pleasure resorts is somewhat limited, the principal being Umgeni, and Mount Edgecombe, Tongaat, Umvoti, and Umhlali beaches ; and the sport affording Umlalazi and Umhlatuzi lagoons in Zulu- land must not be forgotten.

The Durban-Verulam section of the line is supplied with a frequent service of trains, and a thoroughly pleasant afternoon may be spent in visiting either the sugar mill at Mount Edgecombe or travelling further on and touring over the old-established town of Verulam, returning to Durban the same evening. The trip to Umgeni is also a most enjoyable and popular excursion.

The through service of trains to and from the terminus of the branch is conveniently arranged to suit all passenger requirements.

Altitude Distanc

l.i miles.

^EY VILLE, the first station on the Branch, is a

popular suburb, and the railway locomotive sheds are situated here. Looking on the right of the line, a good view is derived of the Durban Flat, or Eastern Vlei, stretching to a long wall of bush-clad hills. This flat is artistically decorated with fine specimens of euphorbia-cactus, black mimosa, flat crown, and palm trees, in addition to many beautiful varieties of wild flowers and ferns, and patches of the odorous arum - lily. Churchill Road, a little further on, is a suburban stopping place, where there are situated several rifle butts.

STAMFORD HILL, the following station, is a continuation of the lovely Berea ridge. It is a very

Altitude Distance

16 feet. 2? miles.