AUCKLAND CROWDED.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15420, 4 April 1912, Page 4

AUCKLAND CROWDED.

TRAIN SERVICE INADEQUATE. (Fnojc Ouit Owx Conui.sroKDEXT.) AUCKLAND, April 3. Tho Muter railway excursions to and from Auckland commenced yesterday, and the trallic has been phenomenally licavy. The Mam Trunk train which arrived in Auckland this morning was an exceptionally long one, even for holiday time. It comprised no fewer than 20 carriages, and between 600 and 700 passengers were aboard. Owing to the necessity of frequently adding extra carriages to cope with the trallic and the long stops at the different sections, the train was an hour late in reaching Auckland. Many of tlifl passengers wero compelled to stand during the davtime, and several through tlm night. Others passed a long and comfortless night on the floors of (he carriages. So long was tlio train that it extended right out pst Uio Auckland railway station, with the result that a. largo number of the excursionists had to alight on the roadway instead of at tho station. The crossing at the railway wharf was completely blocked for half an hour. Meanwhile sundry vehicles of all sliapes and sizes wero lnmg up and accumulated vapidly, while their drivers made uncomplimentary remarks about tho cause of the delay. Among tho assortment of vehicles wero from 15 to 20, large waggons. Pedestrians fared a little better, as they were able to will: either down the f.tali<m or round tlio end of Hie train.

It is expected that tho running of tho two express trains between Wellington and Auckland, starting from to-day. will considerably lighten the trallic in the individual trains on the Main Trunk route. The holidays traffic is, nevertheless, quite as heavy at the present time as it ever is at, Christmas and New Year time, and it is reasonably enough contended and generally admitted that the department would be justified in running two through expresses daily, at least during the period from December to April inclusive. The obvious requirements of the travelling public demand this degree of consideration in any case.

In Auckland the Easter holidiy traffic has already resulted in a crowded city. The hotels and bmrding-honses are for the most part already Wked up with present or prospective visitors, and new arrivals who have not made previous arrangements find some difficulty in obtaining accommodation. In some cases it is reported the rush of visitors has even exceeded the experience of Christmas and New Year time. The n6tial interchange

of town anil country is also iiotifoablc at this season. ami already the bulk of tlio a<voiiimodation at seasido and harbour resorts liasi been reserved for holidaymakers. Tlw outgoing twins to Itotorna, Tliamw. and tho King Country to-day have all l>een heavily loaded with townspeople on holiday bent.