THE HOLIDAY.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2428, 6 April 1915, Page 6

THE HOLIDAY.

TRAIN TRAFFIC. The train traffic outward from both Wellington stations lias been generally good throughout the holidays, probably as good as for the Easter season last year. But, as during: the Christmas holidays, there has beta noticeable an increased desire on the part of people to travel second-class, and there has been a preponderance, much more marked than usual, of second-class passengers. The biggish day at Thorndon,. where all the long-distance traffic is now handled, was Thursday, when all inward and outward passenger trains, and especially the expresses, were very full. The late express for Auckland that night consisted of 18 carriages, the heaviest train that has left- Thorndon for three years. The Manawatu train on Thursday evening was also a heavy one—l 4 coaches. On Sunday night the express to Auckland was rather a bigger train than usual. Yesterday, however, all the expresses were below the average holiday composition. All trains were run very' well to time during the holidays.

Tho suburban traffic from Thorndon has shown a slight decrease', but it is expected that when all'the figures are counted the total-record will bo as.good for the Department as that of previous years. About COO people'went to Plimmerton and intermediate stations yesterday morning. On the other line the traffic has .'been about up to the average, or possibly. a little bettor, Easter Monday being the biggest day. To stations over the incline (536 people werri carried yesterday, and. 1180 to stations this side of the mountains. EXCURSION TO PICTON. Prospects of a glorious day; yesterday were forecasted' early in the morning, and this fact induced 1430 excursionists to make the excursion trip from Wellington to Picton in the Union. Company's fine ferry steamer Wahine. The boat was, scheduled to leave Wellington at 7.45 a.m., but before- 7 o'clock many were waiting to secure tickets, and at tho appointed time for sailing crowds were thronging, the ticket office. The vessel did hot lea/e till 8 o'clock was striking, and she was then at her full carrying capacity. Despite this "fact, about 250 people were .turned: away disappointed. The early indications of a fine day were fulfilled, for .the sun was shining warmly when the vessel got into the Straits. A strong wind was.blowing there, but the sea- was as calm as the Straits ever are, and the run across was quickly accomplished. Tho hour's run up the Sounds was greatly appreciated, the weather conditions being ideal. Picton was reached a few minutes before 11 o'clock, and the rowing regatta was then in progress. Four hours were pleasantly spent by tho many excursionists, and the Wahine set out on tho return run shortly after 4 o'clock. • It was 1 calm in the Straits- on the run back, but very cold. The passengers were lauded' at the wharf at 6.50, p.m., after a very enjoyable day.