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A Railways' Publication

Writing of one of the latest and most popular publications of the Railways Publicity Branch, “The State Railways of New Zealand,” the Evening Post, Wellington, says:—

“State Railways of New Zealand, 1929,” is the title of a beautifully illustrated brochure, issued by the Government for general information. A brief history of the railways is given, beginning with the Lyttelton-Christchurch line, the first in the country, begun in 1860. Railway organisation and operations are treated under separate headings, and references are made to the many activities of the Department in the carriage of passengers and goods. In a note on level-crossing accidents, it is stated that they are “due to the impatience of motorists and other drivers failing to observe caution at crossings.” But the Department is doing its best to solve the level-crossing problem. Conveniences for travellers are specially dealt with. No mention is made of following the example of some British railway companies in providing “third-class sleepers,” but a hint is given of a demand for an “all-sleeper” express on the North Island Main Trunk line. The book is an excellent guide to the great work being done by the railways of New Zealand, and its value is enhanced by railway maps of both Islands.