Large Numbers Travel By Rail

Northern Advocate, 24 December 1938, Page 5

Large Numbers Travel By Rail

[ The number of people travelling by j rail in Northland this Christmas is ex- ' peeled to bo a record, j There has been exceptionally heavy • passenger traffic at the Whangarci railway station yesterday and today.

The ordinary timetable has been augmented with special trains, and all regular trains have been drawing ad-

ditional cars. Double-headed trains are the rule rather than the exception. Standing Room Only.

When the southbound express ar-

i ived at Whangarei yesterday morning from Opua, there was standing room only on the train. A large number of the passengers disembarked here to do their Christmas shopping, but two extra cars were added, and when the train continued on its way to Auckland it was practically full, with more than 230 passengers. The northern express from Auckland was a crowded train'when it arrived at Whangarei yesterday afternoon. also carrying some 230 passengers.

By reason of the large numbers cf passengers wishing to travel to the Far North, an extension of original arrangements for additional trains was necessary yesterday and today. Northbound specials were in • the first place planned to run from Auckland to Whangarei, but it was found necessary for yesterday’s train to continue to Opua, and the same arrangement is being adhered to this afternoon.

Additional trains left Whangarei yesterday morning and today for Auckland, and carried full complements of passengers, with prospects of many others to be picked up on route. The ordinary northern express left Auckland for Whangarei this morning with two locomotives and 13 cars, and was a full train all the way. Monday’s Arrangements.

The ordinary timetable will be suspended on Monday, which is being observed as Christmas Day. Whangarei residents wishing to attend the Auckland races may do so, however, by taking advantage of a special train which leaves Whangarei at 5.15 a.m. and leaves Auckland for the return journey at 6.28 p.m. the same day. Next Sunday, January 1, a New Year excursion is to be run from Whangarei to Opua, the train leaving Whangarei at 8.25 a.m. and departing from Opua on the return journey at 5.45 p.m.