Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 5, Issue 4 (August 1, 1930)

Rail Travel Made Comfortable

Rail Travel Made Comfortable

“Comfort, like the golden sun, dispels the sullen shade with her sweet influence.” This sentiment will be endorsed by the many thousands of travellers on the New Zealand Railways who have availed themselves of the comfort provided by one of the Department's pillows before setting out on a long train journey. The system of hiring pillows to train passengers was inaugurated in 1925, since which time the innovation has proved increasingly popular with the travelling public. Confined originally to the Main Trunk Expresses in the North Island, the pillow-hiring system, by virtue of its popularity with the public, has been extended to the majority of other express services. The system is controlled by the Department's Refreshment Branch, issue of the pillows being made by the sleeping-car and train attendants. The following is a brief description of the working of the system:—On the principal station platforms, such as Auckland, Wellington, Christ-church and Dunedin, an attendant in charge of the pillows is on duty about forty-five minutes before the departure time of trains. The pillows are placed in a large hamper, suitably lined with clean sheeting and reserve stocks are stored in large canvas bags. When opened, the lid of the hamper remains in a vertical position, with the notice “Pillows for Hire, 1/- each” displayed thereon. (The attendant also announces this information as the passengers pass along the platform.)

Where sleeping-car or train attendants are provided on trains a supply of pillows for hire purposes en route is carried on the train. This provision, by obviating the necessity for providing a platform service at intermediate stations, makes for economy in the operation of the system.

Scrupulous care is taken by the Department in the matter of safeguarding the health of passengers by ensuring absolute cleanliness of all pillows issued. The pillows have really three coverings. Above the ordinary ticking is a second slip-cover of the same material, which is removed and washed regularly, and on top of this is the white pillow-slip. This is taken off and laundered at the end of each journey—an amenity much appreciated by the public.

The supply of pillows to passengers is free from any worrying restrictions. The passenger pays the modest hire charge of 1/-, is handed the pillow, uses it without check or interference in any way en route, and at the end of the journey leaves it in the car, where it is removed by the attendant and recommissioned for service.

The Hon. R. Masters, M.L.C., Chairman of the Royal Commission upon Railways.

The Hon. R. Masters, M.L.C., Chairman of the Royal Commission upon Railways.