The Hawera Star. FRIDAY. JULY 2, 1926 THE FARMERS' TRAIN

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 2 July 1926, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

FRIDAY. JULY 2, 1926 THE FARMERS' TRAIN

Delivered every evening by 5 o'clock in Hawera. - Manaia, Norrnanby, Okaiawa, Eltbani, Mangatolri, Kaponga, Alton, Hurleyville, Patea, Waveriey, Mokoia, Whakamara, Ohangai, Meremere. Fraaer Road and Ararata.

Judging from the remarks of visiting farmers from the Waikato, the Railway Department's enterprise, in inaugurating the special winter rural excursions is likely to prove highly popular. It is true that- the numlber of passengers on this initial run was considerably below that at first expected, but officers of the, department appear satisfied, and the farmers themselves are enthusiastic. Before ever; they reached their destination, they were passing resolutions urging the department. to run a similar trip next year, when all would come again and each bring a neighbour. It seems that many others had hoped to coine round to Taranaki this year, but were unable, at the last moment, to make, the necessary arrangements. When they hear the stories of their friends who have enjoyed this excursion, these will no doubt be keen to share in the next, and will take care to make .provision in plenty of time. The. Railway Department. aims now to conduct its acivities on business lines, and in this particular instance it has secured that which every business man counts a priceless asset —satisfied customers. Better a, hundred and thirty passengers who will go back and’ talk this trip up than five hundred disgruntled growlers. Doubtless there are improvements in detail which could 1 bo made the extension of the currency of the excursion tickets to fourteen days might have increased the size of the present train had it been announced somewhat earlier —but, for a beginning, the present visit has been highly successful. Another time, however at any rate, where private accommodation will be necessary at the destination —the authorities should endeavour to ascertain a. couple of days in advance approximately how many people will be making the journey. The visitors have had .experience of Taranaki in both sunshine and rain, they have seen a show which, many of them admit, compares more than favourably with their own, and they have mingled with farmers of this district for the discussion of common interests. Wo trust, that they have enjoyed their stay, which on another occasion may he longer, and wo are sure that nny return excursion from these parts to their district will find them: ns ready with their welcome as South Taranaki now is reluctant to say farewell.