MAIN TRUNK TRAINS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 89, 11 January 1923, Page 7

MAIN TRUNK TRAINS

PLATFORM RESTRICTIONS WOMEN IN DIFFICULTIES The restrictions in force at Auckland railway station with regard to admission to the platform when the Main Trunk express leaves are a source: of frequent complaint from those who consider that access should bo free to the public (states the “Herald”). From time to time mention is made of the hardship which the restriction erf ails upon women passengers and others who require the assistance of friends in boarding the train. The matter is dealt with in a letter forwarded to the “Herald/ - in which -- the writer states that he recently took his sister-in-law and her four small children to the station. He asked permission to assist with her luggage, but the man at the gate refused 'io admit him, referring him to the official in charge of the platform. The latter also refused him admission, stating that the porters would attend to the luggage. The writer declares that .they did not, and that the mother fiad to struggle to her carriage with her luggage and children. “Now, Air. Massey has often brought before our people the necessity of keeping the cradles full.” he concludes. “1 trust he will see this letter, and that he will instruct his officials to beat women and children with the cou r tesy and respect they deserve.” When tho letter was referred to the stationmaster, he said he could hardlu credit such an oversight having occurred. “I certainly would dike to nave more information about this particular case,” he said, “for 1. myself, am usually on the platform when the Main 'Trunk express leaves, and had such an appeal as that described been made to me it certainly would not have -been turned down, while tho foreman, who sometimes takes my place, would have exercised the same consideration. It would probably do away with a coed deal of misunderstanding if people .were aware of the fact that platform passes can always be obtained for those who wish to assist children, invalids, and elderly people who aro passengers. They can apply at the inquiry office any time before 7 o’clock, for these passes, which are endorsed according to the circumstances” The stationmaster explained that a certain amount of care had to be exercised bv the officials, as cases sometimes occurred in which the permit privilege was flagrantly abused. People would hand in their pass, endorsed “invalid.” or “elderly lady,” but when asked to indicate the person they desired to help, were hopelessly at a loss. Dodges such as, “Oh, could I just run in a minute to give this parcel to a ladv?” were also sometimes resorted to bv those eager to farewell a friend without official sanction, tho “minute” usually extending until tho express was under way. “Although we find it necessary to bar the general public from access to the platform, I should like people to know that the Department is willing to extend the privilege of a private ‘send-off’ to every deserving case, ' remarked the stationmaster. “and no one coming under the category mentioned need hesitate to ask tor a pass. Our officials are also instructed to give all the assistance necessary .to those travelling alone, and we will readily investigate any complaint from persons who consider they have a genuine grievance from non-compliance with these instructions ”