In 1958/59 a few employees of the CNR at Blue River, B.C. adopted an informal and likely unauthorized credit system. Canada Railway News operated many railway station restaurants or beaneries and hotel lunch counters. Railway employees could purchase a coupon book worth ten dollars by payroll deduction. Usually used to purchase meals or coffee and pie these books were commonly referred to as Pie Books.

Because many of us did not cash our paychecks until arriving at our home terminals we often purchased Pie Books as a means to have a little cash in our pockets. After completing the required payroll forms, the restaurant staff handed over the coupons. In turn the book was redeemed at the same restaurant for ten dollars in cash and spent at the local store or beer parlor. (Service at the McBride, B.C. Railway Station Restaurant has been restored )