POORLY-LIT RAILWAY CARRIAGES

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 127, 22 February 1939, Page 10

POORLY-LIT RAILWAY CARRIAGES

Eye-Strain On The Limited The pool - lighting in the new airconditioned carriages attached to the Limited express between Wellington and Auckland is the subject of frequent criticism by travellers on this train. These cars have been in service for some weeks and the public have had opportunity to form an opinion on the standard of comfort claimed for the vehicles. Though the seating and other modern appointments are most favourably commented upon, the lighting- has given occasion for many complaints. In an apparent attempt at ultra modernity in the design of the lamps set on the roof, the department has achieved, in the words of one traveller last weekend, a “dim irreligious” atmosphere. The light comes from globes concealed behind a kind of frosted glass, shedding a diffused but inadequate illumination. Most people travelling by night train -like to read, and, on the Limited, this diversion usually is attempted till about 11 p.m. But it is a trying and eye-straining occupation in the new first-class cars, particularly for passengers not seated directly below the lamps. Many people have complained to the guards who, not being responsible for the construction of the cars, arc unable to do anything about the lighting other than to “note the objection.”