THE MANAWATU SUBURBAN SERVICE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 458, 17 March 1909, Page 9

THE MANAWATU SUBURBAN SERVICE.

Sir, —Is it not high timo that something was dono to relieve the scandalous condition of affairs existing in connection with tho Hanawatu suburban railway service? I havo noted with interest tho many letters drawing attention to tho state of this important matter, and the many just complaints that havo been made, but what has been tho result? Matters were bad enough when the lino was under private control, but since the Government acquired the line, the suburban service has certainly resolved itself into an absoluto farce. I do not wish to repeat tho complaint voiced by your previous correspondent, nor do I wish to give more than the slightest description of tho general condition of affairs. The following instances of what occurred in a single day may provo of interest. On Saturday last, tho 1.20 train provided accommodation fit for cattle only—a few sarriages crammed full to tho very platforms. It is genorally impossible for some forty or fifty passengers, including women 'and jhildren, to obtain seating accommodation on

this particular train, and consequently tliej are. forced to stand on tlio platforms wiuh going through tunnels and breatho tlio fumes from an engine forced to the utmost to keep a moving wheel. Another phaso of tin comedy last Saturday provided the scene oi two breakdowns. The 9.30 p.m. train reached Khandallah at 11.5 p.m. Tho 11 p.m. train did not break loose till 11.40. It managed to crawl through tlio tunnels, but broke down immediately after doing so, Some time elapsed before Mgaio was and by tho time Khandallah was reached it w-as 12.45, and, alas, Stato coal boiled away tho water, and the engiuo had to go on to Johnsonvillo for a refill, then back again to Khandallah, which place we left at 1.25 a.m. Iho strains of "Home, Sweet Homo" from an inferior musical box possibly relieved to a slight extent the monotony of that trip. Sir, this is not tho first time this matter has been brought before tho public eye, and it is far from tho first occasion when incidents of a like nature have occurred, to the utmost inconvenience- and discomfort of all who have to travel in theso trains, and providing a shameful stato of affairs. Should these w«rds provo worthy of insertion, I trust thev mav tend to further illustrate the evident neglect and gross mismanagement of this branch of the service, and that those responsible may bo enlivened to that sense, of duty which will speedily reliovo the present conditions, and rid tho district of what is certainly a public disgrace.—l am, etc., •■■■ . L.P.L. P.S.—Last evening the 5.25 p.m. train did not leave ftgaio till 6.3 p.m., and reached Khandallah at 6.23; just over one hour to travel seven miles. March 16.