CORRESPONDENCE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12726, 23 March 1909, Page 6

CORRESPONDENCE.

Train and Tram.

TO THE XDITOB.

Sir, — I understand that arrangements were made between the Borough Council ami the Castlecliff Kailway Company, whereby the latter undertook to run to suit certain trams. It is a great pity, I think, for all concerned that, after about a quarter of a century's experience, the above Company has not learned to run its trains on time. I had occasion to travel to town on Wednesday morning last, and being particularly anxious to catch the Glasgow Street car was somewhat chagrined to arrive just in time to see the said ear disappearing round Thain's corner. It was then exactly one minute to nine, the clock striking the hour as I reached the end of the platform. The trams of course cannot wail. Upon this, particular morning me train was crowded, several ladies having to stand, so that the loss to the borough was probably quite a consideration, to say nothing of the great inconvenience to passengers tipon a. very wet morning. We now have a quite up-to-date tram service, and it has been proved a success; surely with the 'ever increasing suburban population* there ought to be enough enterprise to get something" better than a "one horse show" train. I wonder , if there is any other railway in the Do- | mfriion drawn by an engine with only one man upon the footplate? I' ask these , questions because I have so often wouder- • ed wh»t would- be the fate of that living freight" if for any reason an accident were to happen to the driver, which could obviously so very easily happen from one of several causes, heart disease, for instance. t Whilst upon this subject, 1 should like to be afl'oived to make one or two .observations re the Warns. 4e T have hinted above. I think they are"_ji credit to our town. I would, however, suggest that the cost would not be very great to erect a small • shed over those two modest little seats, so that when the rain is pelting down, as it : was yesterday, paesetfgers will not have to spend ten minutes shivering while waiting for tire next car. The winter will soon be upon us now. I want to ask alpo, if it is legitimate for a car hearing the Bign "Heads railway to deposit its pas- , senders at Thain's corner and return to patch the people from the Opera House? Thig may be good business for the trams, but does not strike me a£ quite equitable. I m&y not be a theatregoer, but T' opine that the trams are for ray convenience as well as that of the theatre-goer. One dark and wet night I got on board with my wife at the Technical School corner, thi'nlc- ' in? a ride a» far as the railway* would be a bit of a help unon the way. Imagine, .therefore, our feelings upon jbeing told at •Thain's corner "This car is going back to ;the Opera House." We had paid our fare, and I certainly think I had a right to exnect my full ride. I should lik» to be informed as to whether unon a similar occasion 1 should be entitled to insist ijpon being carried right through. Thanking you. sir, in anticipation for allowing me to ventilate these matters.— TnnK ef2.. SUBURBAN.

Wanjfanui, March 19th. • P.S.—^Strangely enough, since Writing 1

the abotffs I refrtf in Ink mor'ninV's 'papuof a serious r.iilway disaster caused by 1 both " *fciver and"' hreir>a"n ftl-iiig swept "6i\ r the footplate at once. How much more possible an accident where only one man is in control 'i