MAIN TRUNK LIMITED

Hokitika Guardian, 20 November 1924, Page 4

MAIN TRUNK LIMITED

tiii;i:k Hunts’ savinu. WKU.INCTO.V. November IS. An early aiiiiniimciiieiil regarding the inauguration of a limited main trunk mail train between Auckland and Wellington is expected. It is proposed to reduce the number of stops, thus enabling the complete journey to he made in sixteen hours. An experimental run between Wellington and Aueklaiid in lttltl showed the possibility of a fourteen hour journey instead of the present nineteen hours, though this would allow no margin for lu.-inll-ing heavy passenger trallie. A curious ditfereiiee of opinion regarding this service is evident in the annual Railways Statement. The general manager’s section plumps the starting times which would enable the Ohakuiic to Ta iimarunui section to ho traversed in daylight. This would ho an attraction to tourists and according to the general manager observation carriages would he attached to the limited rain lo enable passengers to appreciate fully the scenic beauties of the line along the central section. In the same report, however, the Minister of Railways definitely states that officers of the transportation branch are of opinion the service should leave both terminal stations about 7 p.m., reaching Auckland and Wellington respectively about II a.m. The Minister added that, stopping places would he limited lo I'ranktou, Taiimarunui, Oliakunc, Taihape, Marion .1 uni t ion and Palmerston North.

’liie viewpoints have evidently taken some time to reconcile as the service was promised in November and no schedule yet is announced. It may, however, he taken lor granted that within a low days the limited train schedule will he finalised and that it will he for a night service. While day running in the central section would he attractive lo touriss there would be little revenue derived as few would travel specially between Auckland and Wellington for lire purpose of viewing the scenery. The great hulk of steady traffic will he indulged by the groat advantage offered business men of being able to leave either city at night, arriving at. their destination in time to do a day’s business and return to their original city next morning. This involves night running whore the scenery is most picturesque, hut its business advantages are beyond argument.