THE RAILWAY STATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9138, Issue 9138, 10 February 1910, Page 5

THE RAILWAY STATION.

IMPROVEMENTS NECESSARY. Tho conference attended by members of the Chamber of Commerce, Stock . Auctioneers' and Wool Buyers' Associations, and Borough Councillors last night spent a few minutes discussing the accommodation at the local railway station. Mr C. N. Clausen suggested that the deputation that was to wait 'on the Minister should bring under his notice the inconvenient public offices at the station. It was no uncommon thing to see twelve or fourteen people in tho parcels office trying to get attention, and generally tho conditions were disgraceful. He thought a strong protest should be made. Mr T. R. Hodder complained of the delay that took placo at the ticket office. He said three trains left about the same time ift the mornings, that for Wellington ' going first. Only one ticket office was open, and the result was that Wellington passengers were frequently prevented from getting tickcts by those in front* of them, whose trains left later. There should be two ticket officers, and passengers should have reasonable facilities for getting tickets. Mr M. A. Eliott endorsed Mr Ilodder's remarks. Mr J. M. Johnston said the Chamber had a definite assurance from the. Railway Department that the ticket windows would be open at least fifteen minutes before the departure of all trains, and if that was not being done it was contrary to the assurance of the Department. Mr Johnston said there were great delays in attending to the public at tho station. Mr R. S. Abraham remarked that that was probably due to the conditions under which the staff had to work. He questioned whether it was advisable to bring the matter of station improvements up when the time-tablo was being referred to by the deputation. Mr Johnston said he had been informed that when the Minister was in Palmerston he had the plans of the proposed alterations with him. After further discussion it was agreed that the sub-committee appointed to arrange for tho deputation to the Minister —tho Mayor, President of ilio Chamber of, Commerce (Mr Haydon), and Mr R. S. Abraham—should decide whether it was advisable to bring the matter up.