PALMERSTON RAILWAY WANTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1453, 30 May 1912, Page 2

PALMERSTON RAILWAY WANTS.

MINISTER'S PROMISE, IBr Telegraph.—Special CorresroniJent.) Palmerston, May 29. A deputation from tho PaJmersion Chamber of Commerce waited upon the Minister for -Hallways to-day. They were introduced by Mr. D. Buick, M.P. Tho chamber (through tile president, Mr. Elliott) asked for various improvements at tho Palmerston railway station, including a new station. The Minister, in reply, said that he did not feel justified in promising a new station whilst there wero more pressing needs in other parts of tho Dominion. He recognised, however, the importance of Palmerston as a railway centre, and various alterations and improvements had been decided upon. These included a new double-sided island platform, 000 ft. long. This would bo built opposite the present platform with access to tho northern end of tho subway, and also by an overhead bridge with the southern entrance. Some 500 ft. or GOOft. would be covered with a verandah. The goods-shed would be lengthened by 100 ft., and would bo moved, to have a frontage on Church Street. A new engine depot would lro built close- up to West Street, and more yarding accommodation was to Im> given. This would show that the Department was'ready to cope with the increased traffic. With regard to specding-up Use Palmerston, Wellington, and Wanganui trains, there were heavy grades to contend with, and it was pn.rt'of tho Department's duty to lessen 'this difficulty, and thus enable trains to be speeded up. Ho would obtain a reporton this subject from his official advisers, and «ec what could be done. Regarding the W.iirarapa train, he hoped to be able to make a statement in that connection when he nassed through Palmerston on his way north on Friday, He would ask his officers to go thoroughly into the matter of the detraining of stock, and the manager would nUo go into (he question of providing better facilities to Feilding on sale days.