INFLUX OF VISITORS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 306, 28 December 1936, Page 6

INFLUX OF VISITORS

THREE SPECIAL TRAINS SUNDAY EXCURSIONISTS Although not so well patronised as was anticipated, the tnree special trains which arrived at Wanganui yesterday from Taranaki brought nearly 800 excursionists to the c.iy. lhe principal attraction was inc Castleclilf Surf Section’s liic-saving competitions, which were held in conjunction witn the Christmas ana x>e.v a ear Carnival, ana several special crams were necessary to transport tne visitors to Castlecliii Beach, me c.ty railway station presented animatea scenes during lhe arrival and departure ol all uains and throughout the afternoon an unusually large number ot people were in Victoria Avenue. Restaurants and cafes were wen patronised. Anotner factor responsible 101 fewer travelling to Wanganui than originally expected, was tnat neitner New Plymouth nor Opunake entereu teams tor the surf competition. On other occasions when Taranaki teams have journeyed to Wanganui tney have brought many enthusiastic supporters and larger trains have been necessary to cope with the traffic offering. Trains arrived at Wanganui yesterday from Stratford, Upunake and New Plymouth, the total number ol passengers carried amounting to 765. The special from Stratford and intermediate stations comprised seven cars and brought 125 passengers. Tnis train arrived at. 11.2 a.m., and left lhe city station on its return journey at 6.20 p,m. A special from Opunane and wayside stations was the largest of the three, comprising ten cars ana requiring two “Ar»” class locomotives. Over 3Uu passengers arrived by tnis train at 11.33 a.m., and left again at 6 p.m. Consisting of seven cars, the New Plymouth special arrived here at 11.52 a.m., with 220 passengers, and departed at 5.45 p.m. An unusually large number of cars and vans were accommodated in the railway yards yesterday, and throughout the afternoon strings of venicies were to be seen marshalled and ready to leave when required. In addition to the three special trains which were berthed at or near the platform, ordinary and special services, whicn will leave Wanganui to-day for Taranaki and soutn, were already prepared. The New Plymouth special occupied the main line platiorm, while at the south end was tne Stratford train, and on the loop the cars and van belonging to the Opunake service. Other roads in lhe yard accommodated the cars and van of tne 6.25 a.m. Wanganui-Palmerston mixed, the 8.45 a.m. “Flyer” to NewPlymouth, and a race special, whicn will leave for Palmerston North today. In addition, of course, were cars and vans for later trains and emergency purposes. The Christmas rush period reached its climax on Christmas Eve,« but heavy trains were still to be seen on Christmas Day and Saturday. On both occasions special passenger services were run on the Main Trunk and between Wellington and Taranaki. Bookings for the Limited and New Plymouth expresses were particularly good.