FRIENDLY CRITICISM

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 11931, 24 January 1936, Page 3

FRIENDLY CRITICISM

RAIL EXCURSIONS

CARING FOR VISITORS

BREAKFAST ARRANGEMENTS

The following report of last Sunday’s excursion from Taranaki to Tauranga and the Mount is taken from the Taranaki Daily News of the 21st inst. We publish the article in its entirety so that those interested may understand exactly how the want of arrangement here appeals to the visitor.

“The railway authorities on Saturday carried out one of the most ambitious of their plans for cheap week-end excursions from Taranaki. Last year the longest run was from New Plymouth to Napier, and the support accorded the excursion showed that Taranaki foil* are not daunted by a long journey when there is the opportunity of a pleasant day’s outing in novel surroundings to make the loss of a few hours’ sleep worth while. “Saturday’s excursion was from Taranaki to Tauranga, that very pretty watering-place which has become known as “Auckland's playground.” For travellers from New Plymouth the return journey covered over GOO miles, hut the opinions of all who made the journey was that the railway authorities had shown enterprise and sound organisation in arranging the excursion at a fare that was very reasonable. “The time-table was adhered to with remarkable accuracy, once Stratford was left. The pace from New Plymouth to Stratford was the slowest of the journey, and on other occasions the authorities might consider a later start from New Plymouth and a quicker pace to Stratford.

“Otherwise there was general satisfaction with the railway arrangements, particularly the provimomona, Frankton and Paeroa. The facilities offered of obtaining food and drink were availed of fully, and contributed a good deal to the happy atmosphere of neighbourliness that was soon created among the excursionists and survived until the journey’s end, although with less exuberance on the return journey, when most of the passengers were asleep or too tired or considerate to do much talking.

Many Questions

“The railway officials, particularly the guard, Mr J. Faulkner, and his assistants, did all in their power to make the journey pleasant. They had to answer many questions, such as the variety and size of the fish to be caught near Tauranga, or whether a supply of milk for an infant could be purchased at a railway refreshment room and the charge made for it.

“People came in large numbers from North Taranaki stations until Stratford was reached. A large contingent from South Taranaki joined at Stratford, where there were also good bookings, and when the train reached Tauranga nearly 300 passengers were anxious to see what the day promised.

“At first the prospects were a little disappointing. A cold, wind, a drizzle of rain and a total lack of any information (other than that supplied by the railway officials) as to the means of obtaining a wash and some breakfast was rather a chilly welcome. The hotels were easily found, however, and they were in eradiness to serve hungry travellers. But for those who found the hotel tariff too heavy there was little to ease the way. If Tauranga desires to stimulate long-distance excursionists her citizens will have to show more co-operation with the railway authorities. For instance, delays in obtaining breakfast caused many to miss the train from the town to Mount Maunganui. Yet as the train simply waited all day at the Mount it seemed as though a little re-ar-rangement could have permitted people who had been travelling all night to have their first meal at Tauranga in comfort. Of course those who missed the train could cross to the Mount by boat. This meant more expense, however, and it seems quite evident that if long-distance excursions are to be profitable there must be complete understanding of the requirements of the family with limited means.

‘‘At the Mount there were rumours of local jealousy in regard to the catering for excursionists, but the visitors arc not concerned with local squabbles. They want the way to enjoyment made easy at a reasonable cost, and if Tauranga desires to cater for this class of visitor it should show more co-operation with the railway authorities than seemed in evidence on Sunday.

“Not that these little matters were allowed to spoil the day. The rain soon ceased, and by the time the Mount was reached the sun shone aagiu and a breeze that Taranaki people called pleasant and the Tauranga people called “cold” was sufficient to temper the heat from the sun and sand.

Ideal Bathing.

“There is ideal bathing at the Mount. Long curving beaches with ocean rollers to toss the swimmer about, sufficient surf to put a sparkle into the ordinary bather’s exercise without arousing his fears, and the almost landlocked harbour inlet for those who liked their swimming to be placid, it was little wonder there were merry parties in abundance.

“For the energetic there was the Mount itself to climb. It was strenuous for those unused to hill climbing, but promising a rich reward in the shape of a wonderful view of sea and beach, island and inland forest tor those who would make the climb. The Mount is rich in Maori history, especially of pre-European days, and traces of Maori occupation and fortification are found in every direction.

“For those who preferred a less strenuous day there was a pleasant trip across the harbour back to the town of Tauranga, rich in its memories of the Maori wars and missionary effort, and now responding to the endeavours of its more progressive citizens and showing signs of modernity in all its quarters. Sometimes, it seems to the stranger, the sacrifices demanded in the name of improvements have been too heavy.