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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 4, Issue 12 (April 1, 1930)

[section]

The following amusing essay, written by a student of the Railway Traffic School in China, was reproduced in the course of an interesting article, “Traffic Management on the Chinese Railways,” featured in a recent issue of Modern Transport. It was the custom for students to be taken on the line for practical demonstrations, each student being required to write a short description of what he had seen and learnt. This student, an aspiring guard on the railway, after a short period of guard's work left the service to join one of the foreign consulates. Here is his essay:—

“Traffic School.”

“To the Traffic Manager.

“By taking advantage of your choice, we were enriched in experience to have an ever-dreamed chance to visit … I am submitting you the report as much as we have been enjoying.

“Since Bacon, the English Great Philosopher, in the Essay of ‘Travel,’ said ‘Travel in the younger sort is a part of education; in the older a part of experience,’ we were, by the quotation used, to take trip to the various stations, as we are all the coming staff. In order to increase our experience, we have to visit all the stations for future reference.

“So on the fresh morning, i.e., Sept. 15th, while the azure sky had been born out from the womb of darkness of yesterday—thunder, rain, on the 3rd. platform came to and fro the passengers including the coming staff who were accompanied by two instructors. They had assembled in school. Time being at hand! The ever-desperate runner, Iron Horse, in a great noise of Hurrah, by taking mechanical advantage, drove the following coaches in a series like a string of thread forwarding to his aimed Station violently. Along the track while the train was running we got the rural scenes from both windows outside that delighted our eyes a good deal. All of a sudden the signal semaphore caught into our eyes, and the train was stopping as quick as possible. Around Station we by teachers’ direction were led to visit the service offices, namely: Station Master's office, Telegraph office, Booking office, Baggage office, official Reception room, and Goods depots.

“After we partook of the tiffin at the nearest restaurant that well could give us a good appetite. Those up to Station Master down to coolies respected to their passengers and worked ever so industriously, faithfully and regularly. I dare say that if all stations along the line can be equ.1 to the level of … the railway henceforth will be reformed in certainly.

“While the sun was going to sink the train No. 16 Down came on with crowds of passengers, and we therefore took it back. The train arrived at 18.50 and we returned home sleeping soundly. In the midnight the Station Master and Guard were waving their flags still in my brain. Happy indeed!

“I am, Sir,

“Yours obediently,”

(Sgd) _____