MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2351, 18 November 1908, Page 6

MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY.

POPULARITY OF THE ROUTE

[Press Association.]

WELLINGTON, Nov. 17. The overland route to Auckland, even though it takes longer than the combined, sea and rail journey via New Plymouth, .is already so popular that the traffic has outgrown the facilities. It is quite possible, of course, to carry all tlio passengers desiring to travel over the Main Trunk line, but on the journey south there is usually great inconvenience at Marion junction, because through travellers have to find seats in the already filled mail train. It has been suggested that special coaches for Main Trunk passengers, should be attached to the mail train, hut two engines are already required, and any further loading might interfere with punctuality. The Railway Department is fully alive to the disadvantages of the present temporary system, but one of its leading officers explained to a “Times” representative that very little . can be done to improve matters until the Manawatu line is under Government control- Passenger traffic to and from Auckland has set an from places even as close to New Plymouth as Strafford, fifteen persons hooking from that station in one day recently. The one-day through service will be started sooner than was at first anticipated, probably about the middle of ■December, but even if this satisfactory method of relieving the present New Plymouth mail train is not promptly available the Railway Department will run independent trains to and from Auckland. The north bound train leaving Manawatu station* at 10 a.m. will reach Ohakune, the overnight stopping place, about the same time as at present.