EXCESS LUGGAGE.

Shannon News, 5 September 1922, Page 3

EXCESS LUGGAGE.

RAILWAY TIGHTENING UP. The cases that are occurring in various parts ol the Horn inion of late where railway officials are showing remarkable alertness in Hie detection of “excess’ or other goods liable lot carriage rates gives the general impression that the Department is tightening up its control in such matters in order to increase revenue and make the railways a better paying proposition. In their zeal, however, some of the officials appear to be ging to extremes.

A complaint apparently well-ground-ed reaches the Manawatu Times to the effect that country children coming by train to a Palmerston school, who may be required by tjheir parents to bring a loaf of bread or a pound oi butter in their school bags, are being searched by railway officers and charged lor “excess” on the ground that these things are not personal luggage. In one town It is said objection was taken to a Bank officer, on his way to open a branch office, taking a smalt bag containing notes and silver without paying the rate prescribed for bullion. In the Auckland district a laQy who was returning from'town with a small saucepan she had purchased was challenged and called on to pay nearly as much as the utensil cost for the privilege of taking it home with her. 0

“Why don't the railways pay:'” (says the Otago Daily Times). The Dunedin staff is doing its best anyway. A local firm decided recently to change one of its horses with another firm from up country, to give the city horse a spell. The business was duly arranged and the city horse was trucked and the railage paid. A while later the firm received a phone rnes•sag'e to send down 1/6 lor railage on the collar which was on the horse; it may be added that as collars are made lo fit individual horses, they are usually exchanged along with horses, but suppose the officials should start to object to. . . ” But it seems merciful do carry the supposition no further. A too strict interpretation of the regulations in this respect will only serve to- irritate users of the railways and the Department will soon find that that the actual revenue collected in this way is in inverse ratio to- lire time, labour and annoyance it costs the officials and the public.

It might be mentioned here that a passenger is entitled to carry 112 lbs free of charge on a train provided it consists of personal effects or is lor domestic use, whilst a workman may take 112 lbs in tools of trade in addition to 112 lbs of bona fide- luggage.