Untitled

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2434, 16 February 1888, Page 2

Wirr.N' such an important and interesting public ceremony as the opening of the Calliope Graving Dock in Auckland is to take place, it is naturally to be expected that facilities would be afforded beforehand to enablo residents from all parts of the provincial district to be present. Such, however, has not been altogether the case. The Railway 'Department, for instance, has given just cause for complaint to many country people by the manner in which the special railway arrangements for to-day have been made known. It is true the department does offer an inducement for visitors to proceed to Auckland in the shape of special "xcui'sion fares by the ordinary trains. Rut til is privilege was only iiotjljed two ■lays ngo by advertisement in the papers, with >tn inti nation that further particulars could be ascertained liy reference to the posters at the various stations. The grievance is that the notice was so close upon the day of the ceremony, aud that it whs impossible for settlers residing at a distance beyond the postal delivery in the various townships on the railway to become aware of the advantages thus provided by the authorities. Jt is certainly most unbusinesslike to give sueji meagre notifications to the public, and must have caused a financial loss to the Department by reason of keeping away many who otherwise would have availed themselves of the opportunity of a cheap trip c<> town, and at the samn time wit-

nessing an exhibition full of moment and interest to the country. No doubt the blame rests with the centralising method of administration in vogue. Had the District Manager discrosiouai y power allowed him to mike all the necessary arrangements in such cares requisite to meet local requirements, without having to await instructions and sanction from Wellington, these errors would not occur, aud the public would not have so much reason for dissatisfaction.