NO TRAIN CRUSH

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 9, 11 July 1917, Page 7

NO TRAIN CRUSH

Contrary to general anticipations, there was no crush on the morning trains from Lambton Station to Trenihani. The 8.30 a.m., mixed train for Woodville was made up to eight carriages, instead f of the usual four. It carried about 200 race-goers in addition to the usual number of passengers for the Wairarapa, and was just" comfortably filled, The 9.55 a.m. train "for Upper Hutt included 15 carriages, with two engines. /It was calculated that this would carry about 700 passengers, or about 650 from Lambton, with an allowance for others from .Petone and Lower Hutt. Actually, under 600 passengers' booked at Lambton, so that there was seating accoismodation for all, and space for the maximum number anticipated from Petone and Hutt. Apparently many racegoers had expected. a crush, and had either abandoned their trip or booked by motor-bus or motorcar. The imajority of those who travelled by train were early on )tiie scene, and the booking-offices did most business before 9.30. To guard against overloading, the Department had placed only a limited number of tickets in each booking office. As soon as the tickets were exhausted the office would close dottn. No persons other than passengers or officials were allowed oil the platform, and at the race^ticket barrier there were officials ■and policemen in plenty. Fortunately the services of the officers were not requh-ed, for everything was a-s ord-erly and quiet as on. the departnre of a regular suburban train.