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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 4, Issue 8 (December 1, 1929)

Travelling by Train

page 48

Travelling by Train

It must be admitted by all who do any longdistance travelling by train that the railway authorities are doing a great deal to make railway journeys more attractive and pleasant than they used to be (says the Eltham Argus). At frequent intervals throughout the journey between New Plymouth and Wellington, a train assistant passes through the railway carriages and with a suitable duster carefully wipes the backs of the seats and the window ledges, thus removing every particle of dust and keeping the carriage clean and tidy. He is also supplied with a brush and dustpan and carefully clears up any litter from the floor. Some travellers are untidy, and think nothing of throwing cigarette butts, spent matches, and fruit peelings on the floor of the carriage, but these are quickly removed by the attendant, and the floor kept tidy. In addition to this, the same attendant, at intervals, comes through the carriage with a pleasant-smelling disinfectant which freshens up the whole of the compartment. These attentions are much appreciated by the travelling public, and certainly should popularise railway travelling. Ladies, there is no doubt, appreciate the attentions of the train attendants. On the way up from Wellington the train stops for a few minutes at Paekakariki for refreshments. Ladies find it difficult to be served with refreshments in the short time at their disposal, the counter sometimes being lined with men before the ladies can reach it. But before reaching the railway station an attendant passes through the carriage and undertakes to bring into the carriage any refreshments the ladies require. This is a great boon to them, especially when they are accompanied by children. The refreshments are brought in, there is no occasion for hurry, and they may be consumed at leisure. The cups, saucers, and plates are placed in the rack, and removed in due course by an attendant. There is no doubt railway travelling has been made much more attractive than was formerly the case and credit must be given to the authorities for the improvements that have been effected.