THE RAILWAY SERVICES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19860, 2 February 1928, Page 14

THE RAILWAY SERVICES.

Sir, —Your sub-leader of Wednesday regarding the maladministration of the through train service on the Main Trunk will, I trust, be responsible for a decided improvement in prevailing conditions and check the drift of travellers who, wherever possible, utilise other means of transport rather than patronise our railways. It is wrong in principle to encourage tourists from overseas unless we are prepared to guarantee efficient all-round public service. The sleeping compartments, oven in the de luxe car, are much too narrow and the so-called service en route is not in keeping with the charges. The ridicu,lou3 tariff on excess luggage requires adjustment. As a case in point, I recently protested against an exorbitant charge on the luggage of three travellers from overseas, who, incidentally, were held up here two days before sleepers were available. Finally, the Railway Department .made an 80 per cent, refund of amount paid. I contend that even if such flexibility exists, it is time matter. o were looked into, as it would be better to encourage people to patronise our railways rather than discourage them, and thus compel the Consolidated Fund to bear the burden. It would appear that the work of the Tourist Department is being jeopardised by a department that should be functioning to give good service in place of existing conditions. How can 'one hope to build up our tourist traffic? T. A. Fraser.