WAIRARAPA TRAINS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2780, 26 May 1916, Page 6

WAIRARAPA TRAINS

AND THE SUBURBAN STOPS DEPUTATION OF PROTEST REQUEST FOR TROOP TRAINS Improvements in the ordinary and troop train services to tho Wairarapa were asked tor by a deputation of Wairarapa residents which waited upon the Minister of Railways (the Hon. W. H. Herries) and the Defence Minister (the Hon. J. Allen). Mr. J. T. jM. Hornsby, M.P., introducing the deputation, said that it was representative of the whole Wairarapa tlistrict. They knew that any request lor the deviation at present was out of the question, but they asked for the cutting out of the Wairarapa train service the suburban traffic and the suburban stops between Upper Hutt and Wellington. The cutting out ol' these stops would save at least an hour on the journey between Masterton and Wellington. This tvould cause no inconvenience, as the other trains wouM serve the suburban people well enough. Also the Minister was losing revenue by tho stop of from 12 to IS minutes at Upper Hutt, for .they were abetting people in the custom of taking suburban tickets from Upper Hutt, saving a shilling on tho journoy. Mr. G: R. Sykes, M.P.. also complained of the seven stops in 12 miles from Upper Hutt to Petone, saying that this was very irksome to passengers who bad already travelled from -10 to 50 miles. He specially asked that the 7.25 a.m. train from Masterton and the 4.25 p.m. tram from Wellington should be expedited. Mr. Herries: Wo call the mail train the one leaving here at 7.50 a.m. It does not stop between.Petone and Upper Hutt. Mr. C. E. Daniell said that the chief complaint was about the other train for business peoplo coming from the Wairarapa into Wellington in the morning, and the train by which they returned m the evening. The stops were too much for people to bear who had to put up with delays of half an hour at the top and bottom of the incline. He suggested also that tho stop for refreshments should not be at Knitoke, but at the top or bottom of the hill. He protested against the trains being delayed for an hour on race days. The Hon. W. H. Herries said that he was impressed by the representative character of the deputation. The trouble was the Rimutaka incline, and as long as ho was Minister of Railways, or a member of Parliament, he would bo an ad r vociito of the deviation. He had como to the conclusion that it was necessary,' but it would cost a great deal of money. He strongly advised Wairarapa people not to fight about routes, but to accept the first route offered to them when the time came. However, if he cut out 6ome of tho stops another deputation would come along and ask him to restore them. He had kept the mail train a fast train, and ho did. not know that so much importance was attached to the other trains. Now that he knew, he would see what could be done. He was sure, however, that he would have to face a deputation from the Hutt, protesting against reduction of stops. With regard to the complaint about the races, it was a fact that a great many people wished to go to them, and the RailwayDepartment had to provide for them. He would see that in future all race day changes in the programme would be adnzrtised. He would 1 try to minimise the inconvenience to the Wairarapa people. Mr. G. R. Sykes asked; for better troop train services 'from Featherston Camp at nights and during the week-ends to allow the GOOO men to get away from camp. A troop train ought to bo sent north on Saturdays, returning on Sundays. About half the men wished this tnd about half wanted tho train to Wellington, he believed. Ho urged that Masterton and Carterton were very much nearer the camp than Wellington, and tho men would wish to go the shorter journey in the week-end. ' '

Other members, of the deputation supported Mr. Sykes's request. The Eon. .1. Allen said that the train arrangements were the business of the Minister of Bailways. The Defence Department wished to give the men opportunities of getting away from the camp under suitable conditions and at suitable tinrcs. Ho would bo only too glad if the Railway Department could mako arrangements to take the men to Mastorton, Carterton, and Greytown. Ho would make no promise, because he wonld have to consult with the Camp Commandant. He would ask Colonel Adams's opinion as to where h» thought the men should go. The Minister of Railways said he would consult with the Department is to Low tho train arrangements <rould lit in with the additional troop trains now proposed. He could rot run a train north and a train south, both half full, and for this reason he would like to hear tho wishes of the men. Hl3 Department would rather, carry men north than over tho incline.