RAILWAY FARES AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2090, 28 November 1885, Page 2

RAILWAY FARES AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sin, — The manager of the Auckland-Wai-kato railway is doubtless surprised that his cheap faro excursion from Auckland the other day was not a success, that the public did not extend to it that patronage which the exceeding liberality of the depal tment merited. The manager seems to be under tho impression that he has only to reduce his fares, advertise an excursion, and he can fill his carnages auy day in the week. But the cqieneuce of the past week ha* shown him that Mioh is not the case, and that to enMiio success something more than a meie leduction of fares is required. Strange to nay these cheap fares are never offered at holiday time when people are anxious to and actually do tra\el. The manager in all the liberality of his soul adveitised cheap faies for the last November^ holidays, the country towns were be-^ smeaied with gaudy posters announcing the startling intelligence, but what did these so-called cheap fares amount to! The ordinary Saturday return tickets were made available for a couple of daya longer, an advantage which comparatively few were in a position to a\ail themselves of. Of course everybody laughed at the mockory, and no doubt tho Traffic Manager chuckled to humelf at how he was having his country customers. Poor country customer ! What a beautiful gosling you have been to railway officials, and how admirably they have plucked you. But you ha\o veiy few feathers left, and the sooner you are plucked clean the better for yourselves. Yes, tho^e cheap fares of the November holidays have been a standing joke in Waikato ever since, and Mr Hudson is very likely to be, at some early date, the recipient of a flattering testimonial from his admiring friends m thin pait of the country. I suppose when Boxing Day and New Year come along Mr Hudson will be treating us to more " cheap fares'' on the Saturday return punciplo. But it would not do t« run an excursion train from Waikato on these day- that people might see the great racing and otlipr attractions of the metropolii. All tin 1 rolling plant will be required for the acioiiuxliition of the Auckland public, and so tho Waikato people must not be induced to tia\el or else there would not bo sufficient can iages to carry them. Auckland affoids so many different attractions at all times aud at all seasons _ that an excursion to town will do Waikato people any d.i,) of the year. Cadets came to this count!} to learn farming, why not bend a few to learn railway management? The amount which wt would thus receive in A pieiniunis would alone be sufficient to pay ™ the inteiest and sinking fund. Hoping! have not intruded, — I am, sir, your« obediently. A Country Ci stomer. Cambiidge, November 2(5, 1885.

Mr T S. Auckland will sell at Cambridge, on Thursday, the 3rd December, prime fat cattle, imp') 1 j ear-old heifers, mixed store cattle fat sheep, &.C. On Saturday next, tho sth December, at 12 30 o'clock, be w ill sell at Cambridge, yorng pi<«, poultry, drays and harness, ploughs,' &c, and at 1 p.m., 60 hones of rariom classes, fee,