SPEEDING UP THE FOXTONPALMERSTON TRAIN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1502, 27 January 1916, Page 2

SPEEDING UP THE FOXTONPALMERSTON TRAIN.

The Palmerston-Foxton section of the New Zealand railways is one of the best paying branch lines in the Dominion. Its length is about 24 miles, and there are nine stopping places en route. The time allowed for the run is about one and a half hours, but owing to shunting operations and replenishing water for the engine, this time is exceeded more often than not. The goods traffic on the line has Increased considerably during the last few years, and occasionally a special is put on to relieve the congestion. To the travelling public, however, the journey is monotonously slow, and of late it has been getting worse. It is time the Department ran a regular goods service—which is justified by the increased traffic —and the convenience of the travelling public given a little more attention. Complaints are of daily occurrence, but the officials cannot do anything to alter the present state of things. We suggest that the Borough Council, in conjunction with the Palmerstou Chamber of Commerce, approach the general manager on the subject with a view to an improvement. We feel sure the Mayor, now that the matter has been publicly referred to, will do his part and lake the initiative on behalf of a longsuffering local public.