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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 8 (February 1, 1933)

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page 17

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A Porter's Artistic Poster.

When the public see on the Dunedin railway station a poster that has been painted as an advertisement for the next mystery train they will praise it as the work of someone who has the makings of a clever and imaginative artist (says the Dunedin Star). The subject is a long train rounding a curve at the toe of a snow-topped mountain. The engine front transformed into the image of a laughing fur-clad hiking lady, the funnel smoke woven into a jolly message to on-lookers. Mr. Bert Marsh, one of the reserve porters, has worked out the design most skilfully.

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Railway Excursions Popular.

“The popularity of the Railway Department's Sunday excursions was well exemplified in the case of the large train which left Dunedin for Timaru with practically a full complement of passengers a few Sundays ago (says the Otago Daily Times). The early hour of departure did not appear to deter many from taking advantage of the cheap rates offered, and the Railway Station was a scene of unaccustomed activity just before the departure of the train at 7.20, the total number travelling being 664. There were fifteen cars on the train when it started on its 130-mile journey, and it was found necessary to add two more cars at Oamaru. The excursionists were favoured with true Summer weather conditions and the journey was consequently a decidedly pleasant one, the train arriving at Timaru on time and just before the excursion train from Christchurch, which also brought a large number of holiday-makers to Caroline Bay. The beach, always a strong attraction for visitors to Timaru, provided the majority of the travellers with picnic sites, and not a few took advantage of the warm weather to enjoy a swim in the surf or to bathe in the sunshine during the greater part of the day. Small boats were also in considerable demand, many of the visitors spending enjoyable hours on the placid surface of the harbour.”

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London's Bright Stations.

Marked improvement in the interior lighting of many London termini affords a reminder of the striking developments effected in railway lighting generally in the past decade. Better lighting arrangements ensure safe and speedy working and attract business. In station lighting, the aim at Home is to present to the eye of the observer, looking along the length of the platform, a clear view, unimpeded by dazzling spots of light, exposed mantles or filaments being cleverly screened. Electric metal filament lamps are usually employed. In the interior illumination of signal-boxes, local screened lights, illuminating the dials and levers, but leaving the remainder of the room in subdued brightness, have become general.

Flood lighting of the exterior of railway premises is a favoured development, while ingenious lighting equipment is utilised at many stations in connection with train and platform indicators. Several railways, as for example the London and North Eastern and the Southern, have relegated responsibility for the whole of the lighting over their lines to a single official, a move that has proved distinctly helpful.