ACCOMMODATION ON TRUNK TRAINS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3534, 23 July 1920, Page 4

ACCOMMODATION ON TRUNK TRAINS.

WELLINGTON, July 22. Heated words passed between Dr Thacker and the Premier in the House to-day, when Dr Thacker asked if it was intended to improve night and sleeping .accommodation on trunk trains. The present provision waa disgraceful in a country claiming fo be up-to-date.

The Prime Minister said a very great deal had been already, and many improvements bad been made. Dr Thacker: On Ministerial cars. Mr Massey. I hope the hon J member will not be impertinent.

Dr Thacker: That i- not impertinent, it is a fact.

Mr Massey: "It is not a fact. We ask for no more for ourselves than for the general public, but when a Minister goes away he has to wovk and he must take a private secre'-ry with him.

What the Department had in mind was running a day train, to leave Auckland and Wellington at 7 a.m., and arrive at 10.30 p.m. It had been found possible, as a trial trip bad been made, but traffic on the trains had been so enormous, and there was such difficulty in getting more rolling stock, that it had not been possible up to the present to make the change. Both the Department and tbe Government were anxious to effect imprevoments, and do the best for the public' Dr Thacker: Where i s the Royal train : •'■'-' - ' - '•■■'>

Mr Massey: Does the hon. member want the Royal train? (Laughter).