MISSED THE TRAIN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 219, 16 August 1937, Page 12

MISSED THE TRAIN

PALAIERSTON ALL BLACK. R. AIcKENZIE’S BAD LUCK!. AVELLINGTON, Aug. 16. To see the Limited express pulling out of the Wellington station last night with all his luggage while he remained on -the station was the exasperating experience of Air AC R. Aleredith, Auckland Crown prosecutor.

Air Aleredith, it is stated, had reserved his seat and had handed his luggage to a ‘‘red-cap,” only to be held up at the station harrier by a porter who turned a deaf ear to all his requests to bo allowed through. Ho was sorry, he said politely, but only holders of reserved seats could pass. In vain Mr Aleredith explained that he had reserved a berth and that his reserved seat was in the front of the train. Mr Aleredith explained who he was and told the porter ho had an appointment at Alorrinsvillo at 9 o’clock this morning. The porter said he was sorry, but ho had had definite instructions and that was all there was about it.

Air Aleredith was not the only disappointed man on the station. Air R. AlcKenzie, a member of the All Black team, had planned to return to Palmerston North on the Limited, which was carrying a party of his friends back to Auckland. He had not reserved his seat, but had a first-class ticket.

As in Mr Meredith’s case, the porter was polite hut adamant, and though Air AlcKenzie explained that his job in the Post Office at Palmerston North might be jeopardised if he missed the train and failed to report for duty at 8.30 o’clock this morning, his plea availed him not at all. Mr Meredith and Air AlcKenzie had the sympathy of the large crowd about the barrier when they renewed their request as the time for departure arrived. As the express pulled out of the station, the porter let both men through, hut it was then too late, and both were furious at seeing the lights on the guard’s van disappearing into the night. The stationmaster, Mr E. J. Guthrie, interviewed, said the express, which was fully reserved, left Wellington about a minute late. He himself was at the barrier for a time just before the train was due to draw out and he was sure no holders of reserved seat tickets had been left behind, because he had repeatedly asked if there were any in the crowd and had received no reply. The barrier remained open till 7.15 p.m., and some 50 people other than holders of reserved seats had been allowed on the train though there was standing room only. That was absolutely the maximum number that could be allowed.

“After all, there were other earlier trains to Palmerston North, and the Limited is essentially for people travelling to Auckland,” said Mr Guthrie when Mr AlcKenzie’s complaint was referred to him.