NIGHT TRAVEL

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19330, 9 August 1934, Page 9

NIGHT TRAVEL

SCOPE FOR RAILWAYB. FURTHER EXTENSION INDICATED. (Special to Times-) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. "The Board has, since the commencement of its functions, diligently pursued a policy of improved train services," states the annual report of the Railways Board, tabled in the House to-day. “It felt that, with the changing standard of demand in transport matters, the quality pf service provided was bound to play a very important part In the results ultimately achieved. Speed In transit and efficiency in the direction of eliminating trouble for the customer immediately Impressed the Board as vita.' factors.

“On both the passenger and the goods sides the advantage which the railways have In their capaolty for night transport, was, in the opinion of the Board, a lino of action that oould bo developed to the advantage of the railway business. Unfortunately, depressed conditions in trade and industry and the necessity for a curtailment of train-mileage to reduce expenditure, have made it Impossible to develop night travel on the passenger side to the extent that the Board would have wished. Tills was due to the fact that the day services which have been provided ovor a long period of years couldi not be immediately curtailed, so that any night services that might be provided would involve additional train-mileage and consequent increased expenditure.

“If the improvement that has taken place during llie past year In the flnaneinl position of the Department Is maintained, Die. Board feels that, its policy or providing night services, which lias been held in suspense for the reasons above mentioned, might be. gone on with, and the Board is accordingly hopeful that during the coming year il may ho able to do something in that direction.”