Eliminating Night Noises.

While improvement in daytime travel conditions is keenly watched by the Home railways, the closest attention is now being given to the comfort of the night passenger. Not only are smoother riding coaches and quicker trains being introduced in the mainline night services, but the fullest consideration is also being paid to the need for reducing noise at the various stopping-places en route.

With the idea of popularising night travel, the L. & N.E. Railway has recently embarked upon an intensive campaign for the reduction of station noises during the night hours. At all stopping-places on the route of its principal night expresses, the platform barrows have been fitted with rubber tyres, while a special instructional bulletin has been issued to all concerned in night working regarding the need for quietness during the night hours. Thus, drivers are admonished not to allow their locomotives to blow off steam through the safety valves unnecessarily, nor, unless in emergency, are they to use the engine whistle. The guard's signal to the driver to start, similarly, should not take the form of the blowing of a whistle unless this is absolutely unavoidable. When stopping and starting, drivers are instructed to so regulate their speed as to entirely eliminate jarring and jerking. Station staffs are warned against shouting while on night duty, and a special instruction concerns the avoidance of noise in closing the doors of night trains.