The whole question of goods transport is so closely associated with competitive conditions arising out of motor truck development that concentrated attention is now being devoted by railway executives the world over to containers for terminal traffic. In these they see a possible solution of the difficulties met with in their endeavour to give a door-to-door transport service for merchandise.

In a recent number of “Modern Transport” it is pointed out that door-to-door transit of goods by railway-owned containers has passed the experimental stage in Great Britain, and a gratifying measure of success has been achieved. The traders have expressed satisfaction with the scheme, which gives many of the advantages of a private siding, minimises the risk of damage and pilferage, saves handling, and effects considerable economy in packing, in the cost of packing materials, and in the carriage thereof. On their part, the railway companies have seen a return for their outlay in a steady but appreciable return to rail of traffic which ordinary conveyance had failed to retain. As a general rule, the railway companies add a small percentage charge the addition is small, being often as low as five per cent., but, as the addition is small, being often as low as five per cent., and usually representing less than the saving effected on packing costs, the supplement is considered a reasonable business arrangement. Container-conveyed goods are charged at net weight only, nothing being added for the weight of the receptacle.

At the Fifth World Motor Transport Congress held at Rome in 1928, Signor Silvio Crespi initiated a movement which has now resulted in a competition, organised by a representative group of transport bodies, to determine the best system of container for international traffic.

In stating the conditions of this competition the joint committee announces that it is desired to find the most practical solution of the problem of combined goods transport, by rail, sea and road, in order to reduce as far as possible the cost of packing, storing and sorting, and to convey the goods from the point of production to the point of consumption by the most rapid and economical means.

Although numbers of containers have been tried out, designers have still to produce a container suitable for universal adoption. The greatest interest will, therefore, centre round this competition which may be expected to spur inventors and manufacturers to fresh efforts in order to win both the valuable prizes offered for designs and page 6 the business which will accrue to those holding patents for the best types of containers.

In New Zealand, as in other countries, door-to-door collection and delivery of goods traffic, if it could be done by the use of adaptable and easily handled containers, would greatly reduce packing and transhipment costs for rail-borne goods and would be particularly useful for through booked inter-Island traffic. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the competition above referred to may produce a container of outstanding merit such as any railway might adopt with confidence.

Distinguished Visitors
Praise New Zealand Railways and Staff.

That the lounge car on the “Daylight Limited” “is equal to any he has ever travelled in,” is the opinion of Lord Latymer, who, with Lady Latymer, recently concluded a tour of the Dominion. This fine tribute to the high standard of accommodation now provided for travellers on the New Zealand Railways, is contained in a letter received by the General Manager, Mr. H. H. Sterling, from Mr. H. Desborough, Wellington Manager of Messrs. Thos. Cook and Sons. Mr. Desborough also states, “On his return to Wellington, Lord Latymer personally informed me that, during their journeys in New Zealand, he and Lady Latymer appreciated very much the special attention extended to them by all railway officials.”

Good Service Appreciated

The following letter to the General Manager of Railways, Mr. H. H. Sterling, bears witness to the good work achieved by the Railway Department in its efforts to please its patrons:—

One of the most satisfactory points in connection with the visit of Mr. and Mrs. and the Misses Cadbury to this country, was the manner in which the Railway Department rose to the occasion and did everything possible to facilitate the comfort, in particular, on the run made through the Dominion. We feel that in no small measure was this due to the interest you took in our visitors, who keenly appreciated everything done for them, and left the country full of its praises. From that angle alone the Publicity Department will be assisted more than can be gauged at present. In particular, the kindly manner in which you took them under your wing during the journey from Christchurch to Dunedin was more than once referred to by Mr. and Mrs. Cadbury, and we feel sure you would like to know that your kindness had the desired effect.

Bound Copies of the Magazine

The publication of the April issue of the Magazine completed the fourth volume. Readers are reminded that they may send forward their accumulated copies (May 1929 to April 1930 inclusive) for binding purposes. As hitherto, the volume will be bound in cloth with gilt lettering, at a cost of 5/6 per volume. Those desirous of having their copies bound may hand them to the nearest stationmaster, who will transmit them free, with the sender's name endorsed on the parcel, to the Editor, N.Z. Railways Magazine, Wellington. When bound, the volumes will be returned to the forwarding stationmaster, who will collect the binding charge. In order to ensure expedition in the process of binding, copies should reach the Editor not later than 29th June, 1930.

Railway Problems Discussed by General Manager

At the invitation of the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce, in co-operation with the Southern Hawke's Bay Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union, Mr. H. H. Sterling, General Manager of the New Zealand Railways, delivered an interesting address on the subject of “The Railways, Their Users and Their Owners,” in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall before a large and representative attendance of citizens and settlers from the surrounding districts. Mr. Sterling comprehensively reviewed the position, particularly from the aspects of developmental and community service.

He made a direct appeal to the people to support their railways and to co-operate with the Department in popularising them.

The address has been published in leaflet form by the N.Z. Farmers' Union, Southern Hawke's Bay Provincial Executive, thus giving those who were not present an opportunity of reading it and reflecting upon the wide range of services rendered by the railways and the vital part they play in the progress, development and prosperity of the community.

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