The Railway to the Rescue

Fine Tribute to N.Z. Railway Staff by the American Trade Commissioner.

How a road accident served to prove the excellent spirit of service to the public existing amongst members of the Railway Department, is told by Julian B. Foster, American Trade Commissioner for New Zealand:—

Wellington, 12th October, 1928.

Mr. H. H. Sterling,
General Manager,
N.Z. Railways,
Wellington.

Dear Mr. Sterling,—

I know that you are always glad to hear of any exceptional courtesies which are shown by the employees of your organisation to the travelling public in New Zealand, and it is with this thought in view that I am writing to let you know of the following instance which took place recently:

On Saturday, September 29, Mr. Cruse, and Mr. Barnhouse of the General Motors Company, and myself, were making an attempt to motor from Greymouth direct to Christchurch over the Otira Gorge. Unfortunately we underestimated the depth of the river at Bealey and our car was stuck in the middle of the river and had subsequently to be pulled out by two horses. We had gotten very wet in attempting to extricate the car, and when we finally reached the shore we were anxious to proceed to Christchurch by train.

I called the stationmaster at Arthur's Pass by telephone and told him of our predicament. He was kind enough to allow us to proceed on the goods train which was to leave at 7.30. He was good enough to have the train stopped at the quarry at Bealey, and the guard on the train named Carroll, had arranged a large fire in the stove when we got to Springfield. The stationmaster there, Mr. Wills, very kindly volunteered to serve tea to us, and did everything possible to make us comfortable. It is thoughtfulness of this type that expresses in my mind the real meaning of the word “service,” and I am sure that you will be glad to hear of the active interest which your employees manifested on our behalf.

Very truly yours, (Sgd.)
Julian B. Foster,
American Trade Commissioner.