A BIG DAY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 69, 18 September 1937, Page 11

A BIG DAY

THIRD TEST MATCH

AUCKLAND NEXT SATURDAY

An order has been placed for 2000 pies for train passengers arriving at Auckland station next Saturday for the third Test match between South Africa and New Zealand. This is but a part of the extensive arrangements being made to cope with the flow of people lo Auckland for the match. Next Saturday is expected to be one of the busiest days ever experienced at the Auckland station.

Approximately 8500 people will arrive by 14 special trains and five expresses from all parts of the North Island, and in addition there will be the normal services. It is anticipated that there will be probably upwards of 11.000 inward passengers. MANY SPECIAI/S. Although it was at first thought that three special trams would adequately cope with the traffic from Wellington, it has been found necessary to run five. A further special train will come from' Palmerstbn North with people from Hawke's Bay, and another excursion will be run from Wanganui, via Stratford. Other special trains will be dispatched from New Plymouth, Ohakune, Opua, Whangarei, Taneatua, Hotorua, and Hamilton. On no previous occasion has such a large number of special trains been arranged for any one-day event in Auckland, yet already those from the south have been practically fully booked. The first of the Special trains will arrive at 2.30 a.m., and other trains will be arriving up to 10.45 a.m. Arrangements have been made for the passengers on the early trains to remain in the carriages until the refreshment rooms are opened at 5 a.m., states the "New Zealand Herald." Preparations are well in hand to meet an exceptionally heavy demand for refreshments. Breakfasts for 500 people were provided on the morning of the Auckland match, and it is expected that an even greater number will be requiring meals next Saturday. RETURN OF VISITORS. All excursion trains from stations south of Ohakune will leave Auckland on their return on Sunday, but the remainder will leave on Saturday night at intervals from 11.5 onward. t Train arrangements for the return of the excursionists were complicated by. i the fact that summer time officially commences at 2 a.m. on Sunday, September 26. Healising that accommodation in the city will be taxed to the utmost, the Department has not overlooked the fact that 10 train crews from districts outside the Auckland district must be able to get their rest if they are to carry out their duties efficiently. To obviate any difficulties in securing lodgings, sleeping cars will be provided for their use at Auckland. It is expected that the enormous crowds travelling will tax facilities to capacity, and practically every available carriage and all engine-power will be in use. _^^^^^^