RUSH FOR SEATS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XL, Issue 9292, 29 April 1920, Page 5

RUSH FOR SEATS.

AUCKLAND, April 28.

The Auckland railway station .was the scene of great activity prior to .the departure of the Main Trunk express last evening. News of the impending railway strike forced the visitors to curtail their stay in Auckland, and there was a rush for seats. About; 200 people had collected half an hour; before the time fixed for the express j to leave, and those who had taken the precaution to reserve their sea.ts were admitted to the platform at once, but others had to wait. Some of the latter climbed a fence at the end of the platform and succeeded in reaching the train. . . Eventually all the passengers were admitted. The Railway Department provided nine carriages at the commencement, four first-class, four second class, and one composite. Owing to the rush three extra second-class carriages had to be added, and this accommodation was quickly taken. There were no sleeping carriages attached to the train. In al there were, about 670 passengers, and owing to the heavy traffic the train did not leave till 7.25 p.m., fifteen minutes behind schedule time. On inquiry being made at.the ticket office, it was stated that tickets were issued-to all who had applied.