MOSGIEL RAILWAY STATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26916, 30 October 1948, Page 8

MOSGIEL RAILWAY STATION

Sir. —From personal observations I wish to affirm the fact that a . minimum of 80 trespassers use the forbiciden short cut across the line's at Mosgiel Station for the two morning workers' trains alone. Presuming that at least another score do so to eaten later trains there is obviously a case for consideration by the Railways Department. Shortage of labour ■ and materials cannot be accepted time alter Ume for the department's neglect to push forward such a small undertaking as would be required to erect an overhead footbridge on to the south side of the station. In any case, the large number of persons involved warrants some scheme tor the reduction of the hardship imposed. Cannot the department provide a snepherding service across the lines for the heavy trains of the day? I suggest that as there seems to be plenty of staff available to turn back trespassers, surely one official could- be detailed to superintend crossing the lines at the south side of the station only. I suggest also that strict enforcement against trespassing be made regarding persons wno stroll *• along ” tne tracks from the station to the railway crossing, This action is not only dangerous and stupid but gains nothing for the offenders and also Prejudices tlie genuine case of persons living on die south side of the town. Further suggestions for the consideration of the traffic manager are for the elimination of the practice oi stoppmg workers' trains for several minutes north of the railway crossing and the preven tion of the pointless blocking the crossing by shunting the empty trams across it. 8 These two annoyances are very irritating to passengers who are now toTced to walk an extra unnecessary half-mile through the forbidding of the use of fne short cut rd y up t the department to make some concession such as I have suggested in order to atone for its an cestrai blindness in building the station with its own tracks and a it and the town.. As , the rnndones trespassing at other inter mediate stations and 8 officially recognises crossing of the lines at Burnside to gain access to a specially-constructed turnstil and short cut, it is morally bound to institute some scheme such as shepherd ing at Mosgiel. I am. FoUy _