DRINKING ON TRAINS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 44, 21 February 1942, Page 6

DRINKING ON TRAINS

I recently travelled to Auckland on the Main Trunk express from Wellington. At Feilding a number of air force men came into the carriage (a non-smoker), bringing with them three suitcases of beer, mainly quart bottles. They began drinking beer in the carriage almost immediately and continued until midnight, by which time they were more or less intoxicated. Two soldiers alaa joined the party, which became decidedly boisterous. It was a most unpleasant experience to be obliged to travel under such conditions Beer was spilt about the carriage and throughout the night empty bottles were thrown out of the windows. Soldiers joined the train at Waiouru. bringing in a supply of liquor, which they consumed in the carriage. Drinking recommenced about 5.30 a.m. and continued until the train reached Auckland. It [ must have been quite obvious to the guards that drinking was taking place, but no attempt was made to prevent it. Are the soldiers and air force men entitled to take advantage of their uniform in order to break all rules and regulations? There is also the question of inefficiencv due to alcoholic indulgence, and this is a subject which calis for serious thought. H R.

The question of members of the armed forces drinking on train? was causing some concern to the Railways Department, said Mr. G. S. Reid, district traffic manager, when the letter was referred to him. For some time, he said, the inspectorial staff had been watching the position closely, and he understood that the position had improved latelv. It was a difficult matter to handle, because offenders, who knew that the Department had taken up several cases with the authorities, usually kept fairly quiet when an officer of the Department was in the carriage. If the correspondent had brought the case in question to the attention of the guard at the time he could have taken whatever action was necessary. The letter did not give the date on which the happenings took place, so no special inquiry could be made regarding that case.