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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 12 (April 1, 1929)

Railway Attractions — Multiple-Trip and Family Concessions — Lunch Hampers, Pillows And Dust Coats

page 40

Railway Attractions
Multiple-Trip and Family Concessions
Lunch Hampers, Pillows And Dust Coats

Under the above headings the “Levin Chronicle” gives particulars taken from a speech delivered by Mr. S. R. Stedman, the local Stationmaster, to the Lunch Club.

Among other matters, Mr. Stedman mentioned that a bearer ticket for twelve trips could be bought, for cash at a saving of 12 ½ per cent., and a twenty-trip ticket at a saving of 20 per cent. The latter would entitle the holder to ten return trips to Wellington. These tickets were unrestricted as to the period for which they could be used, and were transferable.

Taking The Fright Out Of Freight. A portion of the Railway Department's display in the Transportation Pageant, held recently in Wellington.

Taking The Fright Out Of Freight.
A portion of the Railway Department's display in the Transportation Pageant, held recently in Wellington.

Family tickets offered another great advantage. Second - class “family return tickets” would be issued at three times the adult return fare for distances of not less than twenty miles, and the number of children in any family who might travel on one such ticket was unlimited. The children must be under sixteen years of age and be accompanied by at least one of their parents.

The checking of luggage was another boon to the traveller, who, provided that he held a passenger ticket and paid a small checking fee, was relieved of the trouble of looking after his effects.

Luncheon hampers were now available at Marton and Frankton Junctions, and a lady with children, travelling on the Main Trunk, might notify an attendant on the train that she wanted lunch brought to her, and for 3/-, this service would be rendered. The privileges would be increasingly availed of as they became more widely known. At the refreshment rooms a remarkably good meal was provided for 2/6.

Another convenience for Main Trunk travellers had been established by the provision of pillows, which could be hired at 1/- each. Dust-coats were lent at the same charge on the Rotorua line, Main Trunk, and certain branches. Hat bags for ladies' use on the dusty sections of line were provided free.

“If you have not had the pleasure of travelling in a sleeping compartment,” said Mr. Stedman, “I would advise you to do so.” The speaker also mentioned that outside the ticket office of every station was placed a framed schedule, showing thte fares to all the principal stations in New Zealand. Nevertheless, people kept on coming to the office to inquire about fares. He added that if any person had any complaint against the railways, he or she should not hesitate to go to the station-master personally. There were many features of the system that were not understood by the public, but the officials would be only too pleased to make the position clear.

Action similar to that taken by Mr. Stedman should do much to make more fully known details of the many advantages our Department gives to its clients.

Before communities could grow, before industries could be established, the railroads had to be built. It is to their everlasting credit that they never failed.—From the “Railway Gazette,” London.