EXPRESS TRAIN CHANGES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 951, 19 October 1910, Page 7

EXPRESS TRAIN CHANGES.

BEING QUIETLY -ARRANGED FOR.

It is' understood that tho loiig defeiTed speeding-up of the Auckland.Wialliiigton express is to be put into operation between 'the middle of nest month and December 1. Some 'months ago representations were made to tho Minister for Railways suggesting that the express train journeys between .Wellington and Auckland could bo very easily shortened, and Mr. Miller, admitting the fact, promised to go into the matter. This he did, and it was at first surmised that an alteration in the time-table would be made following on a Departmental or inspector's report. It was decided, however, to detor any proposed changes until the summer season had commenced. It is stated that the Main Trunk express will leave Auckland botween one and two hours earlier than at present: that departnre from Wellington will be about the samo time as now, and that a thirty-six hour passenger and light goods service will be inaugurated between the two centres. This will probably be in .addition to the present sixty-hour" passenger and timber general merchandise, and stock sorvice, which is at present on tho lino. There has been some mention of runmug another fast express service between Wellington ■ nnd Auckland as was done last , summer, but judging from last' year's results in that direction, when (with few exceptions) expensive trains were run with half-empty passenger cars, nothing will be done this year. ; When it was mentioned,' somo months ago, that tho Main Trunk 'express should leave Auckland two hours earlier than now, objection was raised that tho departure would interfere with the evening dinner hour, and it was suggested that if 4he train left an hour earlier, and mado up another hour on tho way to Wellington, travellers uould be satisfied, and'possibly the new service will be on these lines. It was rumoured that the timo of the departure of the express from Wellington would be delayed an hour or more, but as this also would interfere: with the gastronrimical comfort of epicurean passengers ■ the Department may be expected to give the subject very; serious consideration;; before committing itslf. As is-i usual, -, the • Minister for Railways is preparing his intended timetable changes,: with -great secrecy, and has threateneel instant'. dismissal of anybody found , giving- tcr the information. : ■■ .-;. ■-■.:::■■.,.■'. ■■■ ■. ■■■