NOISE AT THORNDON

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 32, 7 February 1935, Page 10

NOISE AT THORNDON

(To the Editor.) Sir,—An article which appeared'in the "Evening tost" on the subject of

"Noise" was most interesting theoretically, but, the time has come when noise needs to be taken practically and seriously. I would like to mention the subject of the all-night shunting which goes on at Thorndon. For people who live round in quite a wide radius this is a most trying thing, and seems .to go on always. There is never a pause, but week after week there goes on puffing and grunting of engines, the letting off of steam, the shrill whistles, of some engines, and the strident howls of others, the rattling and banging, and, at times, the blessed departure of goods, trains, which can be heard for a distance through the tunnels or along the Hutt lines, which occasionally brings an hour or so of peace. But, as a rule the din goes on steadily all night, there is a great "departing" about 12 o'clock of suburban trains, and if this was the end it would not be so bad, but.then begins the shunting. What this country must pay in the way of overtime to the engine drivers and others who are on all-night duty must be considerable. . The people who are kept awake during these hot nights when a closed window is an impossibility, with the outrageous clatter, wish that some more reasonable arrangements could be made, and the health of a large section of people around-the station, better regarded on more human lines. The alternative is, of course, to "clear out," but houses are not too easy to get, as those who search know well.—l am, etc.,

WAKEFUL,