CHEAP EXCURSIONS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 189, 12 May 1928, Page 8

CHEAP EXCURSIONS

EXTENSION OF SYSTEM An announcement by the Prime Minister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates) in' the current number of the “Railways Magazine” states that the autumn will usher in the beginning of a new order of cheap excursion fares during the school holidays. “Previously,” states the Prime Minister, "a concession for the autumn vacation has been available only for school boarders, for the journey home and back, but the privilege now will not be subject to any restriction. The whole of the public throughout the Dominion will be able to take advantage of this concession, which will 'be particularly welcome to folk who cannot conveniently have holidays during the summer excursion period. It is well known, of course, that the great majority of farmers are held close to the land by their productive work during the summer when other New Zealanders are able to go on cheap holiday trips by rail. The new arrangement puts the summer and autumn excursionists on the same basis of cheapness for healthful outings. “Equity is the main consideration in this extension of the excursion system, but I am confident that it will justify itself, in the business sense, with a large increase of passengers, as similar progressive enterprise has justified itself during the past summer. The Department will persevere with its efforts to encourage the people to benefit themselves by the safe, cheap, and comfortable service of their own railways.”