THE “RED CAPS.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19697, 26 January 1926, Page 6

THE “RED CAPS.”

A RAILWAY INNOVATION. APPRECIATED BY TRAVELLERS. (Prosi Ode Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, January 25. Since commencing their duties on January 10 the “red cap’’ porters at the Auckland railway station have proved of undoubted service, both to the travelling public and the station authorities. The idea of having licensed “outside agents” to deal with luggage on railway stations is by no means new, although this is its introduction to New Zealand. In the United States and on the Continent the red-lopped caps aro familiar sights on nearly every railway station. The innovation has proved a decided euccess. and is likely to prove even ■more successful as time goes on. Licenses are given carefully, and the men have to be of very satisfactory type. They work long hours, but have a slack period during the middle of the day, their duties are to moot every incoming train and to be present before the departure of any outgoing train for the purpose of carrying luggage. They charge for this at a small rate lor every article of luggage carried. The now porters are proving especially helpful to women travellers, many of whom arrive on the station accompanied by a string of fretful children and carrying a large amount of luggage. It is a pleasant experience for them so be relieved of the worry of looking after baiggage, and, while they are saying goodbye to their friends, to have a porter obtain seats for them and make all their arrangements. When the “red caps” first started their duties the women wore frequently too dumbfounded by their attentions to bother about such trifles as remuneration. Even now, so one porter said, an old lady will hand over her luggage and, after everything has been fixed up for her, beam at him and say, “Thank you kindly.”