THE "LIMITED" EXPRESS

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 6, 9 January 1928, Page 11

THE "LIMITED" EXPRESS

SEATING ACCOMMODATION (To the Editor.) "Working Man" writes to the Editor as follows:—"May I have a little of your valuable spaco to voice a small complaint on tho demerits of travelling on tho New Zealand railways. I had the misfortune to travel to Wellington by the Limited leaving Taumarunui at 12.30 a.m., with my wife and child. The train was made up of two second-class, four first-class, and one sleeping carriage. When wo boarded tho train, both second-class carriages were full to overflowing. I walked along tho train and saw that tho four first-class carriages were only half full. I spoke to the guard and asked him could he find a seat for my wife and ■child, but he said he could do nothing for me unless I paid the difference in tho fares and went first class, which I could not afford to do; consequently wo had to stand, which I can assure you is far from enviable. No-yV, Sir, after listening to all the nice things that have been said about the New Zealand railways over the wireless, this last few weeks, I was sadly disappointed. It appears to me that if the train was made up, of an equal number of first and second class carriages the Department would be giving everyone a fair deal. As it is, the working man is not being catered for fairly." The following reply is made by the Railway Department:— "The normal composition of tho Limited express is two sleeping cars, three first class, and two second class carriages, and it is found that this most suitably meets tho demand for accommodation. As the name "Limited" implies, the number of vehicles on this train cannot be increased. It is therefore essential that those desiring to travel by the Limited" take advantage of tho facilities offered by the Department to enable passengers to reserve their seats fourteen days ahead. Scats may be reserved at any officered railway station throughout the Dominion for the nominal fee of Is, including the cost of telegram to the reservation office. In these circumstances the Department cannot place first-class accommodation at second-class fares at the disposal of those who fail to take the precaution of reserving their seats beforehand."