In continuation of the Railway Department's policy to make the train service as helpful as possible to New Zealand's people—the owners of this great enterprise—this autumn will bring the beginning of a new order of cheap excursion fares during the school holidays.

Previously a concession for the autumn vacation has been available only for school boarders for the journey home and back, but the privilege now will not be subject to any restriction.

The whole of the public throughout the Dominion will be able to take advantage of this concession, which will be particularly welcome to folk who cannot conveniently have holidays during the summer excursion period. It is well known, of course, that the great majority of farmers are held close to the land by their productive work during the summer when other New Zealanders are able to go on cheap holiday trips by rail. The new arrangement puts the summer and autumn excursionists on the same basis of cheapness for healthful outings.

Equity is the main consideration in this extension of the excursion system, but I am confident that it will justify itself, in the business sense, with a large increase of passengers, as similar progressive enterprise has justified itself during the past summer. The Department will persevere with its efforts to encourage the people to benefit themselves by the safe, cheap, and comfortable service of their own railways.

It is to be expected that the public will require some time to adjust themselves to the two new travel periods. The long unrelieved stretch between Easter and Christmas has encouraged the development of the polar-bear habit of hibernating during some of the best travelling months of the year. If the new concession results in added numbers travelling further and more frequently about the Dominion, it will serve the triple purpose of equalising excursion facilities as between town and country, increasing the knowledge, improving the health, and broadening the outlook of our own people, and supplying a valuable addition to the revenue earned by the National Transport System.

Bound Copies Of N.Z.R. Magazine.

Readers of the Magazine are reminded that they may now forward their accumulated copies of the second volume (April 1927, to April 1928, inclusive) for binding purposes. The book will again be done in cloth with gilt lettering. As on the previous occasion the loose copies are to be handed to the nearest Stationmaster, who will forward them free, and with the owner's name 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 (5/6) when delivering to sender.

It will be necessary for those desiring to have their copies bound to forward them not later than the 30th June, 1928.

Prize Competition.
What did the Parrot Say?

The design on the cover of this month's issue asks the above question. In order to stimulate interest in the competition and to assist in making an effective appeal to readers of the Magazine, a prize of two guineas is offered for the first correct answer opened. The competition is free to everyone. Answers should be addressed to the Editor, N.Z. Railways Magazine, Wellington, in envelope endorsed “Parrot Competition.” The envelopes will be opened on 8th June.

The Magazine.

Readers of the Magazine will be interested to learn that it has been decided to enlarge the journal. Commencing with our June issue it will appear in sixty-four pages instead of forty-eight, as hitherto.