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Island Fruit
Prompt Transport Appreciated

Those who build by the wayside must expect many critics, and the operations of the Railway Department touch national activities at so many points, that those in authority often are the objective of the critic's tongue or pen (says the Lyttelton Times). Those with grievances, alleged or real, usually make themselves heard, but when the Railway Department shows that it can act with initiative and despatch, usually no one feels impelled to make any comment. On Friday the Department, assisted by prompt work on the wharves, acted with highly commendable energy, with the result that tropical fruit was made available in Dunedin markets in time to meet weekend requirements. The Maui Pomare did not arrive at Lyttelton until 6.30 o'clock in the evening but over 1,000 cases of fruit were unloaded in time to be railed to the south by the night express. The consignment was offered for sale in Dunedin at the same time as the fruit sold locally and the prompt dispatch must have been appreciated in the southern centre. It was, of course, an opportunity to show what an important part the railways play in our system of transport, and, at the same time, an illustration of the assistance they can render the business community. And incidentally, it afforded further proof of the benefits derived from the provision of a night train to the south. Without it, this fruit (some of which by now has probably passed into the hands of consumers), would not yet have been made available for sale. It is by this improved standard of service that the Department can best meet the increased competition of to-day, and its efforts, as demonstrated last week, will not be overlooked, especially by those who know what efficient transport means to the community.