FARMERS' TRAIN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 141, 26 March 1928, Page 4

FARMERS' TRAIN.

THE SOUTHLAND EXCURSION. PASSENGERS TOTAL 517. OYER 160 FROM ASHBURTON. The Canterbury farmers’ excursion train to Southland, one of many 'similar successful ventures organised by the Railways Department, passed through Ashburton at noon to-day. The train reached Ashburton with 351 passengers and 166 joined here, making a total of 517, while there were more to he picked up at stations as far south as Morven.

The train, which. bore the legend, ‘‘Canterbury Farmers’ Train,” on the side of one car, comprised 15 ears and. a van, and it arrived at the Ashburton station amid tne cheers of the younger element frorfl northern Canterbury districts. There was a large number of Com. tv farmers on the platform here, and there was a lively scramble for seats on the oart of Ashburton’s quota of 166. This was considered a very satisfactory number from the County. Everyone who made the trip was looking forward to a really enjoyable week in the productive areas of Southland, while there were many comments regarding the instructiveness of the Railway Department’s innovation, which, after a satisfactory trial last year, seems to have pome to stay. Mr F. Pawson, who organised the trains last year, was again in charge, and there were also on board officials of the North Canterbury Executive of the Farmers’ Union. Mr Adamson (secretary of the Southland Executive) was also a passenger. The excursion train is due back on Saturday evening.