OUR RAILWAY OFFICIALS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2644, 22 June 1889, Page 2

OUR RAILWAY OFFICIALS.

TO THE EDZTOK. Sir,—lliad thought that under the new Railway Commissioners we would have been able to have a little better arrangement in the working details of our system, but I find on the contrary that the old red tape ideas are carried out to a creator extent than ever. Yesterday morning I wont to the Hamilton West tation to book a small parcel to Wairangi, and reached the office at 9.l'J a.m. by the office clock. The acting stationmaster (Mr Williams, 1 believe) was engaged in earnest conversation with a lady and continued so for 3 minutes after my arrival. Time, 9.22. I then asked him to book my parcel to Wairangi, and he replied, " I cannot guarantee to send this to-day." "Why?" I asked. "Oh, you are after the proper time for booking," he replied. Said I, " I was here more than 15 minutes before train " time " (U b's), but you were engaged talking to that lidy." " I can't help it," he replied. "My Mercer way bill is made up." 1 had therefore to take my parcel back, and had it not been for a lucky chance I would not have gut it away at all. I would like to point out that the railway regulations are of no use to the general public if this sort of thing is to be tolerated. The regulations say that parcels must be booked ID minutes before train time, and yet here an official coolly tells one that his way bill is made up some I<> or .17 minutes before the train hour, and that his parcel must wait until to-morrow to suit his " Royal Highnesses'" convenience. Truly we are a long suffering community \ I write this to warn others of what they may expect. I intend, also, to refer the matter to headquarters, to see if this sort of thing is to be put up with.— Yours, &c,

T. G. Sande.s. Hamilton, 2tst June, ISSfI,