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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 7 (November 1, 1928)

[section]

The event of the month has been the running of the first “Commerce Train,” on a nine days’ tour of Auckland Province.

The enterprise of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce in initiating the movement has been well rewarded by the benefits conferred on those who had an opportunity to make the journey and by the universal approval of the people living in the Districts visited.

I feel sure the result will be to increase mutual confidence and respect as between town and country, and lead to further valuable development and enterprise throughout the province and (what is of particular moment to us) to a better understanding of the position of the railways in regard to the transport needs of the Dominion.

During the nine days the whole of the Railway lines in Auckland Province (excepting two small branches) between Rotorua, Hangatiki and Taneatua in the south, and Okaihau, Kirikopuni and Opua in the north were traversed, 1,200 miles being covered by rail and about 500 by motor-car and launch.

In reference to the Department's share in making towards the success of the tour I cannot do better than quote Mr. W. D. Lambie, Acting British Trade Commissioner who stated that “the train had been a great success from every point of view and had been a great tribute to the efficiency of the Railway Department, for throughout there had not been the slightest hitch in the organisation. The service rendered was equal to that obtained in first class hotels and every effort had been made to provide for the comfort of the passengers.” From expressions of opinion received personally from those who travelled on the train, I feel sure this was the universal sentiment, and take this opportunity to express my appreciation of the splendid way in which all concerned rose to the occasion and so materially enhanced the Department's reputation for efficiency in service.