STRATFORD-MAIN TRUNK LINE.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1933, Page 2

STRATFORD-MAIN TRUNK LINE.

(To the Editor.). Sir,—The tentative time-table for passenger services on the Stratford-Main Trunk railway line appears to be suitable in most respects. However, there is one marked weakness from the viewpoint of the public, and that is the suggested night-train. Starting from Auckland at 7 p.m. it would entail using the already over-taxed accommodation on the Limited as far as Okahukura or Taumarunui, arriving there shortly after midnight. From that time until nearly 7 a.m. the passenger would travel a mere 120 miles. Does the public realise how unbearably slow the journey would be? Frankly, I am surprised that even a suggested time-table should be published embracing services which no traveller could ever use comforably, and averaging only about nineteen miles per hour! It will be noticed, also, that the northbound train will be no faster, and will entail long waits and changes at either Okahukura or Taumarunui, unless the officials will desire to draw out this schedule even more in order to bring the “express” to Taumarunui at about 12.30 a.m.—no earlier, on any account.

The proposed mixed services will be as good as any others, and will not excite much comment. But these night trains operating on slow schedule will not be tolerated by the Taranaki public, which is accustomed to motoring' right through to Auckland per first-class services. In my own humble opinion a better service, designed to meet competition on the Coast road, would leave New Plymouth at 1.50 p.m. and reach Auckland at 11 p.m.’ This would utilize a train already running to Stratford, and one, even faster, now leaving Frankton at 8.37 p.m.. The southward service could leave Auckland, per Rotorua Limited, at 10.10 a.m., connect at Frankton in the lunch-hour with return service to Stratford and New Plymouth, arriving at New Plymouth per the 7.48 p.m. (from Thomdon.) I beg to suggest that in the interests of Taranaki as a whole, including the areas along the new railway, your valued journal should aggressively advocate such fast afternoon services as these. They offer a compromise between the interests of the business community and the great majority of prospective passengers along the route. Let us join with the leading provincial newspaper in aiming at the best and supporting nothing else.—l am etc, “OFFICIAL.” Stratford, February 14.