TIME AND COMFORT

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 130, 28 November 1924, Page 6

TIME AND COMFORT

The Eailway Department is to be congratulated upon its decision to run a limited express between Wellington and Auckland. Much business is done between the two cities, and many business firms would prefer to give transactions personal attention instead of conducting them by correspondence. But the long, fatiguing journey is a deterrent. When the limited express is running it may prove that the demand for improved travelling facilities is not so great as was supposed, but the Kailway Department may help to create that demand if the conditions are as they should be. As affecting conditions, it is noted that the Minister of Railways proposes that there, shall be more and better sleeping berths. This is a reform long overdue. On certain lines in other parts of the world it is quite unusual for passengers on a night train to travel except in sleepers. Here, though the night service has been in operation for many years, a large number of passengers continue to use the day coaches. This indicates either a perverse obstinacy, a determination to be uncomfortable, or that the sleeping-car accommodation is insufficient or unsatisfactory. If the extra charge were reasonable, and sufficient berths were available, we cannot imagine that so many passengers would voluntarily do all-night penance on the seats.