TROOP TRAIN ARRANGEMENTS.

Evening Star, Issue 23697, 3 October 1940, Page 12

TROOP TRAIN ARRANGEMENTS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir —I cannot commend those in charge of the draft being sent to camp on their handling of their departure on the second express this morning. Many mothers and fathers did not have the opportunity of bidding farewell to their boys. The draft that went this morning was composed entirely of those men who volunteered, yet were they treated as volunteers? The congestion on the northern end of the station platform was shocking. Could not the number of carriages required for carrying the draft be put on, say, the Port Chalmers siding, the boys be allowed aboard to take their seats, then be allowed off to mix with their parents until the train was due to go? If so, I venture to state that the congestion would not arise, and everyone would be satisfied. One poor mother, who lost two brothers in the last war and had a son leaving for camp this morning, did not get the opportunity of seeing her boy because of the shocking management. She completely broke down. No doubt there are many other cases the same. Surely something fair and just can be done to, at least, give the mothers of those mefi who are keen to do their duty the opportunity of saying “farewell”? This didn’t happen last war. —I am, etc., October 2. Old Soldier. [We are informed that every facility is offered friends and relatives to farewell soldiers, who may mingle on the platform after entraining, as suggested by the writer. On such occasions some congestion is unavoidable. —Ed. E.S.]