Door-to-door Service.

The announcement that the Great Western Railway of England has just ordered 396 motor vehicles for the development of its road collection and delivery services is indicative of the important part road transport plays in the activities of the modern railway. The Home railways at the present time actually own 6,442 goods road motor vehicles of varying types, from tiny “mechanical horses” to enormous heavy lorries for special work. The “mechanical horses” total about four hundred, and they are found to be of the greatest service in busy areas. Formerly, horses were employed exclusively for city collection and delivery work, and, as a matter of fact, some 14,600 horses are still owned by the four group lines. While, however, in 1927, the Home railways owned only two motor vehicles for every fifteen horses, there is to-day almost one motor vehicle for every two horses.

The door-to-door service that is the ideal of the progressive railway can only be achieved through the utilisation of up-to-date road-carrying equipment as a subsidiary to the fast freight train. To be a “transport-way” in the widest sense of the term must be the aim of every go-ahead railway undertaking.

“Don't you smoke?” queried the affable stranger (who was smoking like a factory-chimney himself) of the young fellow alongside as the Rotorua express sped on its way. “Wish I could” came the reply, “but” (with a laugh), “it always turns me up!” “It's easy enough to learn,” said the affable one, “get a tin of Riverhead Gold, and roll your own. That won't turn you up! Been trying to learn with a pipe, hav'nt you?” The other nodded. “That's no good, my dear chap! You take my tip and you'll soon be a smoker!” Three months later they met again—in Queen Street, Auckland. The young fellow pointed with pride to his pipe. “Took your tip,” he said, “it worked like a charm! I'm smoking Navy Cut No. 3 now. It's glorious!” “Nothing like toasted, my boy! Next to no nicotine in it. I don't know its equal. It is matchless! Only five brands, remember!—Cut Plug No. 10 (Bullshead), Navy Cut No. 3 (Bulldog), Cavendish, Riverhead Gold and Desert Gold.*