RAILWAY MEALS

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30740, 3 May 1965, Page 1

RAILWAY MEALS

Improvement Sought (From Our Own Reporter) HOKITIKA, May 2. “Everyone has heard the many derogatory remarks made about New Zealand's six-o’clock swill and I think everyone is equally familiar with the railway refreshment bun rush,” said Mrs Pearl Schumacher at the annual conference of the South Island Publicity Association yesterday. Mrs Schumacher was speaking to her remit asking the association to urge the Railways Department to ensure that an improved service, better amenities, and a higher standard of meals were provided.

“What overseas travellers think of the service I would hate to imagine,” Mrs Schumacher said. “Even to the hardened New Zealand traveller it is a degrading business being hustled and jostled while trying to buy a cup of tea and some food. “I am sure some of the concrete-block manufacturers would love to get their hands on the unique recipe for the pastry for railway pies,” said Mrs Schumacher.

The following amendment, moved by Mr E. Whittleston, was carried:—“That the association urge the Railways Department to improve the facilities which it provides in line with modern tourist and travel requirements, including improved services, better amenities, and a higher standard of meals in. refreshment rooms under its control.”