Typical of the energy with which the Home railways develop any subsidiary service of promise is the whole-hearted manner in which the big lines are entering the road transport field. All the systems are making fullest use of the Government powers secured last August, and are operating large numbers of road services for the conveyance of passengers and merchandise. In many instances road services are actually being run between points already served by rail. The main idea in cases of this character is to reduce transit times and effect cuts in handling. Merchandise to and from specified areas is centralised upon conveniently situated page 21 tranship depots, and, instead of transhipping the traffic into railway wagons, it is sent out or brought in by road motors. Collections and deliveries are made at the door, and everywhere there is being introduced the judicious combination of road and rail facilities. With a view to tapping fresh sources of revenue, road services are being introduced in rural areas removed from the railhead, and special road-rail travel tickets are, in several cases, issued at attractive fares. In the rural districts, postmasters and shopkeepers act as agents for the railways, and through the efforts of these outside agents, working on commission, much business is brought to the rail and road services of the respective undertakings.