RAILWAY MANAGEMENT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 86, 6 January 1919, Page 6

RAILWAY MANAGEMENT

Sir,—lt has been my fortune: (?) to train to Auckland and back during the last few (lavs. ' I left hero by- tho first express on December 24,. and reserved a seat in anticipation of ft crowded train, this from remarke in the local Press by the railway authorities. This train, instead, was half-emuty. Returning ]>y the second express leaving Auckland on January 1, found Fhis condition -of empty seats worse ; in fact, for- a long part of the journey I was the 6ole occupant of one-half of a first-class, carriage. ' Wo cannot put this condition of empty trains down to the "epidemic altogether, as this is over now, and this is just the time convalescent persons would like to get away for a rest and recuperate. These trains are running, full or empty, and I would like to draw the railway authorities' attention to .the. fact that a full train is a paying one—an empty train is not. One of-the chief causes of the trouble, I think, is the fares im-. posed. One pays about 3 guineas for 18}' hours' ride. Does this induce one to travel, aspecially if a family is involved? Would it-not-be better- to" have reduced excursion fares of about JC4 return first class, and i£2 10s. return second' class, and full trains? This would give just as good return as tho present high farc3 and half-empty trains. Ee comforts: The night of the Wel-lington-Auckland trip was bitterly cold. On inquiring of the guard why the beaters were not on, the answer received was that the heaters were never connected during the summer season. Summer? Are all days and nights warm during this season, especially in this exceptional year of cold wintry weather? The temperature coming back was also; cold j no heaters ■as usual. Passengers were heard complaining about the cold. Surely the public is entitled (o some consideration when travelling, on, the railways. We pay for such, and the. little extra coal used is ..trifling compared "with ? freezing cold carriage.—l am; etc.. HIGHLY INEFFICIENT.