7 JULY 1928, Page 6

In general it seems that the provision made by the

companies has not kept pace with the never ceasing growth of the open-air habits of the people. Have the companies reckoned exactly what addition they have in effect made to the country rent of the town dweller who leaves his town for a cottage at the end of almost every week in the year ? What is a reasonable fare for a casual visitor to the country .becomes an utterly unreason- able or prohibitive fare for a man who wants to travel a certain distance from a town once every week. Personally we do not regard the passenger revenue as irrecoverable. The roads are becoming uncomfortably crowded and many motorists of experience—they, rather than the novices—would admit that a train has advantages which a motor car cannot match. For a long journey a railway carriage is more restful, and for those who have to read, write or transact business during a journey it is much more convenient than a motor car. There are many ways in which the com- panies could make railway travelling easier. As it is, the Motorist is ruled by the consciousness that it is delightful to drive in one conveyance from door to door. He says, " Thank goodness I haven't got to struggle for a seat in a crowded train."