CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1707, 13 May 1886, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

IN EXPLANATION.

(To the editor Manawatu 'Times.)

Sir, — A local appeared m your issue, on Saturday last setting forth the fact that commercial travellers complain against the working of the new regulation at the railway station by which porters are not allowed te tread the sacred boards of the platform. With reference to the exclnaioo of porters and carriers Somewhat from the railway gates and platform, you must admit that Mr McKeuna is merely attempting to carry cut the old by-laws which have been m force on all New Zealand railways since the introduction of the i Public Works Act, 1872, and at Palmerston they were vigorously enforced while Mr Coker was stationmaster, but have been allowed to lapse considerably since his removal. On Friday last several residents complained to Mr McKenna m my hearing of tbe way the platform was always crowded by porters and carriers generally to the obstruction and ofttimes annoyance of passengers by the train, and visitors to telegraph and post office. Mr McKenna said that it had always been his intention when the new station is built to enforce the five-law m question, but as complaints were being made already he thought his duty to the public was to take steps at once, more especially as the Borough Council had some time ago set apart a suitable and convenient site for a cabstand. My object m thus writing to you is, first, I know Mr McKenna is prohiuited from defending his action through a newspaper, and your local may injure him unintentionally. Secondly, I also know that at all railway stations except Palmerston there is an attempt made to keep platforms for the use of the travelling public. I also know that m all my travels I fcuow of no plaoe where there is such imperative need to keep a platform clear, for the simple reason that it is at oresont much . too small for the use of the* public, and really is a disgrace to any town of far smaller pretentions than Palmfcrston. The reason given for troubling you with this explanation will I trust be satisfactory both to Mr McKnnna, and the porters and carriers, none of whom I wish m the least degree to offend. — I am, etc.,

James Linton.