Hard lines

By Bob Alexander

Subjects: Antrim, Ireland, Trains, Belfast, Crumlin, Inglewood, Glenavy

Description: Hard Lines by Bob Alexander. A humourous and informative book by an ex-railwayman who researched the subject matter, by living it. Recollections of the days when trains were hauled by steam locomotives, and ran on time. Of fare-paying passengers on the earlier Omnibuses, who hid from the police as though they were enemy aliens; and trudged up the hill behind it because the bus couldn't climb it with them on board. A time when many country cottages were whitewashed, and with a thatched roof, a jamb wall, an open fire complete with crane and hook; some even with earthen floors. Of a working mill on the Glenavy river which used an immense water wheel as the sole source of power. Of a sawmill and turnery works similarly equipped, using the same sort of motive power, on the Crumlin river. All within living memory. Of how the Great Northern Rail Co (Ireland) LTD., offered hygenic yet spartan toilet facilities to gentlemen of modest means. Last but not least, how employees with almost a lifetime of service were harshly treated by the employer and the Government. Published by Inglewood Press, Lurgan, Co Armagh.