RAILWAY METHODS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18322, 12 February 1923, Page 9

RAILWAY METHODS.

Sir, The Herald's strictures on railway methods in Auckland have not been one whit too severe. The railway arrangements are somewhat antiquated and out of date. My own experience tends to corroborate what has been said in the Herald. During the holidays my daughter —a schoolgirl, who had never travelled alone—. to visit, some friends in a Southern city. She was to travel by . the Main Trunk express on Boxing Day. I went on December 22 to secure her ticket, Jind after standing in a queue for nearly an hour was informed that I could not get it till the following d?y. A young man just) ahead of me was told the same thing. He informed the ticket clerk that he had told him two days before to come on the 22nd! Protests were useless; the man at the window was adamant. A visit to the enquiry office resulted in a change of attitude, if not in the regulations, and. after another long wait in the queue, I secured the precious ticket. Next I wanted a pass to accompany the girl on the platform, but I might as well have •*sked for the manager's head ip a basket. My request was instantly refused. When the fateful night arrived we ' experienced the usual crowd and crush at the : platform barrier. The girl's mother tried to interview the stationmaster to obtain a platform pass, and after hunting for the stationmaster's office, she was informed that that official was on the very platform that was closed to all save passengers,'so she could not see him. v /That poor schoolgirl had to face the crowd .alone' and find her way to ; the train stuggling bravely with baggage that was too heavy for her. Where were the . porters? Where were they Are there any porters on the New Zealand railways? I nave 'travelled a great deal at Home and in other lands and always found porters, in attendance at the railway > entrance to take charge of one's luggage and convey it to the carriage. I have yet to find that attention in this country. Perhaps there are no porters. While you are agitating in this direction ♦here is another matter that . deserves public - attention. The Auckland• railway station is a disgrace to the premier city of New, Zealand. A fine station could be constructed if the Railway Department could, only take over the whole of the post office buildings. ' There would be a good frontage to the ' main street, something good to look at, and ample room for all the necessary offices that are at present crowded away in - dark holes and corners that are almost impossible to find. < Pro Bono Publico.