page 55

By Those Who Like Us

Appreciation of the arrangements made by the Department for the speedy removal of those at Arthur's Pass when the recent earthquake occurred, is expressed in the two following letters, addressed to the District Traffic Manager, Christchurch:-

From Mr. H. Le Page, Clifton, Sumner:—

As one who was holidaying with my wife and family at Arthur's Pass when the earthquake occurred, I feel compelled to write and express my great appreciation of the work of the Department, and the great courtesy and solicitude shown by all officials in what was to everyone a very trying time.

The promptness with which the first relief train was despatched reflects great credit on the manner in which your Department can handle an emergency. As for the arrangements for bringing away those remaining I can speak personally, being one of them. The Department could not possibly have done more for their comfort. The travellers were principally women, many of them in a highly-strung and nervous condition, and the fact that they were able to get right back to their homes in Christchurch had a wonderful effect on them.

I would specially like to mention the work of the stationmaster at Arthur's Pass, Mr. W. C. Tritt. He and his staff spared no effort to ensure the comfort of the women-folk. Everything they could do was done, and I can assure you, Sir, that the travellers highly appreciated it. Mr. McNair, the engineer, and his assistant, Mr. Lusty, both did their utmost to see that nothing that could possibly be done was left undone.

I wish you would convey to the above officers the thanks of the travellers. I think I can speak for all. Their kindness and courtesy, and that of your permanent way staff (who all worked like trojans, and had a word of cheer for the overwrought women-folk), was deeply appreciated.

From Mr. E. J. Ross, Christchurch:—

I do not know if it was your branch of the Department which took charge of the arrangements for transporting the second batch of residents and visitors from Arthur's Pass last Sunday, but if not, I hope you will be able to convey the contents of this letter to the proper quarter.

I have been asked to convey to your Department the thanks of a number of those returned to Christchurch by train and bus on Sunday night, and to express their appreciation of the courtesy and consideration shown by its officials to them under very trying circumstances.

They would like to make a special reference to the stationmaster at Arthur's Pass, the officials who made the arrangements for their comfort at Springfield, and the man in charge of the bus who took such pains to see them landed as near as possible to their homes.

As a relative of several of the ladies of the party, I should like to add my appreciation of your Department's arrangements.

* * * *

From the Secretary, New Zealand Presbyterian Bible Class Unions, Hamilton, to the General Manager of Railways, Wellington:—

On behalf of the Hamilton Presbyterian Conference Committee I have to write expressing our gratitude to your Department for the efficient way in which your staff handled the hundreds of young men and women who came by rail to our conference here. We would especially express our appreciation of the courtesy and ready helpfulness of the stationmasters, both at Frankton and at Hamilton. It was due to the co-operation of these gentlemen and their staffs that much of our transport problems were so easily solved.

We would also express our appreciation of the way in which your business agent so actively assisted us in all matters pertaining to transport, and particularly with the arrangements for our picnic to Rotorua.

page break