WE live in an age of rapid change, due largely to the increasing readiness and rapidity with which the results of scientific progress and research are applied to the conditions of life; and, in addressing the institute of Transport on April 11, Sir Harold Hartley showed how the amenities of railway passenger travel are being improved. He confined his remarks to the aspect of the comfort of the passenger rather than to such desiderata as increased speed and safety. After indicating the several conditions which together determine the comfort of a railway journey at modern speeds, he proceeded to detail the steps being taken to ensure their maximum effectiveness.