Terminals:

This chapter is interesting, dealing, among other things, with the considerations which go to the lay-out and working of terminals. One suggestion is that the South American arrangement whereby a traverser is used to carry an engine from one line to another-thus limiting the waste of platform to the length of the engine-might well be adopted elsewhere.

In view of the occasional criticism of New Zealand ticket collecting methods, it is pleasing to read that “the ideal way from all points of view, except that of staff cost, is to collect on the train.” In this chapter also, such subjects as Goods stations and Goods shed designs, cranes, goods working, labour organisation, page 25 tranships, etc., are broadly dealt with. Regarding the “minimum load” Mr. Hare remarks: “A proportion of two tons paying weight to six tons non-paying weight certainly does not appear to be unreasonable.”

Regarding tranships, and the general question of the treatment of less-than-wagon-load lots, some very sound principles are laid down-useful guides to whoever, from time to time, undertakes the revision of loading and transhipping arrangements in our own traffic districts. Pointed attention is also drawn to the expense of roadside work in train crew time.

Regarding wagon control, the author believes neither in permitting empty wagons to adjust themselves, nor in control applied to each individual wagon, but in an intermediate method which transfers the responsibility for individual distribution to the station, and the sharing of responsibility for general distribution between intermediate district officials and headquarters. The system recommended appears to approximate to the practice of our New Zealand districts.

The chapters on Marshalling Yards, Rolling Stock, Passenger and Freight-Services, Train and Traffic Control, Statistics of Operation, and Organisation, are all of direct practical value to those engaged in the operating side of railway affairs, and the book might well be used as a general guide to the study of modern operating methods.

Space prevents a more detailed examination at this time, but it is interesting to note that in drawing a distinction between Traffic Control and Train Control (Traffic Control covering terminal considerations such as times of departure, traffic to be conveyed, engine and guards working, etc., while Train Control deals with trains on the running lines and decisions in connection therewith usually in the hands of the signalmen) Mr. Hare makes out a much stronger case for Traffic Control than for Train Control.

Altogether the publication may be described as a most useful work, with a wealth of reliable definitions, well-reasoned conclusions, and dependable, up-to-date information.