RAILWAY ‘HOUSEKEEPERS'

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19132, 29 September 1936, Page 5

RAILWAY ‘HOUSEKEEPERS'

REMOVALS MADE EASY

FEEDING LONDON’S 8,000,000

LONDON, Sept. 17.

The latest role of Britain’s railways is acting as housekeeper to families moving from one part of the country to another.

If a householder decides to use the railway for the removal of his furniture am) other possessions, the company will: — Mow the lawn before the family’s arrival.

Look after the clog and accustom it to its new surroundings. Engage a charwoman to tidy-up after the moving-in. Hang the pictures artistically, and Decide on the best lay-out for the rooms.

These and other interesting facts about railway services were given by Mr. A. J. L’ragnell, of the development department of the Great Western Railway. lie told, for instance, liow r the railways tackle the gigantic task of feeding London’s 8,000,000 mouths, and how, in summer months, the flow of food to the metropolis ebbs towards the coast. The vast organisation which provides for London’s food demands includes: —

Docks, harbours and wharves at 77 places. Overnight express freighters from the producing centres. Door-to-door food containers and special meat and milk vans. Three thousand insulated, steamheated banana vans.

Fruit, flower and fish specials. London’s milk arrives at the largest and most up-to-date depot in the world, 'Where 60,000 gallons are delivered daily. Millions of tons of food are transported to London every year by more than 600 freighters hauling many hundreds of specially-constructed wagons and containers.