Untitled

Ashburton Guardian, Issue 1980, 26 October 1888, Page 2

We do not know whether there is any use m bringing a common-sense suggestion under tbe notice of the railway authorities, common-sense being an article entirely at a discount with those functionaries. Nevertheless we will make the attempt, hoping against hope, that for once some heed may be paid to the representation. It Is that excursion trains should be run from Christchurch and Timaru, and on tho Mcthven and Mount Somers branches, on the occasion of the approaching Agricultural and Pastoral Association's Show. We believe if this were done at a low return fare, it would bs found to pay exceed - fngly well, as hundreds more than otherwise would travel hither on that day, would gladly embrace the opportunity. All that is proposed to be done so far, is, as m previous years, to issue what are called " Saturday return tiokets," on the main line only, at Christchuroh, Timaru aud intermediate stations, that is to say people can travel both ways at the rate of a fare and-a-half, a concession of one-fourth upon the amount of ordinary fares. This is not nearly liberal enough and wo believe the department would reap a very much better return if excursion tickets at a low rate were granted, This should apply as we have already paid to the Mount Somers and Methven branches as welji as to the main line. It is not even yet too late to try the experiment and we should be glad if our courteous local station-master would convey this suggestion to his superiors j There is to be a special train to and from the Timaru ghow, why not j also to and from Ashburton 1 \