Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, MAY 31st., 1928. RAILWAY ENTERPRISE

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 May 1928, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, MAY 31st., 1928. RAILWAY ENTERPRISE

THE spirit of venture From the beaten patli continues to influence the Railways Department, ami it is to be hoped that this enterprise will meet with the .success it deserves. Special commendation is due For the policy of increasing Facilities For cheap excursions, and if the public response, hitherto, has not been up to expectations, or hopes, it must be remembered that at this cold season of the year, travel has less attraction than in warmer flays. Moreover. New Zealanders must be given time to acquire the “excursion” habit. The Department should eventually reap a rich reward for its greater courage, and justify the policy lately ini reduced. Another innovation announced to-day is the series of night expresses between Christchurch and Invercargill. That decision was arrived at after careful investigation of the traffic possibilities by railway officials, and presumably they found enough evidence of support io justify a trial being, given to I he service. This is not the best period of the year for all-night travelling, and it will take time for the now facilities to be accepted by >

the general public, but there seems to be no real reason why the nightexpresses should not prove remunerative. If that should be the result, perhaps night-travelling will be available on other main line routes, say between Greymouth and ('hristehureh. The difficult nature of the country is said Io be one reason why the Department will be coy about trying night-expresses on the Midland route, but most sections of the Dominion’s railway have difficult country, and if there arose a real demand for night expresses on the Coast-Canterbury line, doubtless these would be forthcoming.

Another satisfactory move by the Railway Department, is the appointment of a manager of the Department’s motor-bus service. This avenue of enterprise must increase greatly, and it is wise for it to be controlled by one not entrammelled by railway traditions. The bus services must not be regarded as “a poor relation,” or as something of an unimportant nature. To meet private car competition, railway buses will have to be controlled by those enthusiastic about their job, and eager to strive for patronage by offering the public many inducements. A railwaytrained official might be prone to look on. the bus service as a mere side-line, not worthy of serious consideration. At present, the bus-ser-vices cannot compare with the train-traffic. Will 'this always be the case?

Whilst on railway matters, it is opportune to congratulate the Department on the extensions made in the Elmer Lane vicinity. A great transformation has been made, and benefit must arise for the employees by the new facilities. Some of the general public resident in the vicinity of the new sheds etc., are perturbed about possible smoke and other nuisances that may be created. It is to be hoped that the railway officials will do all they can to guard against such sources of public irritation and ill-health. The Borough Council should keep vigilant, and take early steps to safeguard the interests of those it represents, should occasion demand.