Arthur’s Pass Station

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31256, 31 December 1966, Page 10

Arthur’s Pass Station

Sir, —As a visitor from the North Island, and hearing so much about the beauty of the new railway station at Arthur’s Pass, I went to see it. Yes, a beautiful station, magnificently planned and de-

signed, and blending admirably with the alpine surroundings. Alas, that is where the magnificence of the station ends. Filthy windows, filthy toilet, dirty floor, urinal smelling like a neglected abattoir. On the platforms cigarette butts and matches; waitingroom a similar eyesore, a beautiful brick red tile in waiting-room and vestibule now looking like a riverbed (dirty grey). What a grand way to protect public money and what an insult to the architect and builders of a very fine structure!—Yours, NO COMMENT. December 22, 1966. [Mr M. R. Leineweber, district traffic manager of the Railways Department, replies: “The staffing of stations with an uncongenial climate like that at Arthur’s Pass is difficult. The available staff already have to work long hours dealing with trains, leaving little time for cleaning duties. However, arrangements have just been made for extra time to be devoted to cleaning, which should overcome the problem. A contract for cleaning the many station windows is at present being negotiated. We of the Railways Department are proud of our new station and, in a difficult situation, would appreciate the public’s help in refraining from creating the conditions complained of.”]