DOMINION RAILWAYS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 128, 1 June 1934, Page 10

DOMINION RAILWAYS.

AUSTRALIAN'S PRAISE.

IMPRESSIONS OF VISIT.

Praise for tlie efficiency of the New Zealand Government Railways was given this morning by Mr. W. J. Low, an officer of the Queensland Railways, who left on his return to Australia by the Monowai after a month's visit to New Zealand.

Every facility has been extended by tho Railway Department to Mr. Low during his stay to enable him to study the inside working of our system. He has travelled over 2000 miles on the railways and has met officers of all grades. He was struck by the good will that exists between executive officers and their men, which, he said, resulted in a greatly increased service to the public. "The outstanding features of your railway service," said Mr. Low, "is, first, the permanent way, which is maintained at the highest possible standard of efficiency and so provides an almost ■perfect riding surface. Then the modern engines, which you make yourselves, are ambitious, and" I understand that they are giving satisfactory service. The carriages, with their expensive roller bearings, which are not used generally, combined with modern springing and upholstery, result in a maximum of comfort. Another noticeable feature that contributes to the comfort of the passenger is the ' throe-position chair. Noise has been eliminated as much as possible by the use of various devices."

Commenting on the question of road transport in competition with the railways, Mr. Low said that suitable railway wagons were provided for each type of merchandise, and, with the concessions in fares that were allowed, it was up to primary producers to take the fullest advantage of the service. The support of two parallel forms of transport was uneconomic and ultimately must be paid for by the taxpayers.

Mr. Low was much impressed by the beauty of the New Zealand scenery, particularly on tho trip between the Buller Gorge and the Fox; Glacier, and from Auckland to the North through the Waipoua Forest.