LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4675, 17 March 1924, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tn accordance with the arrangement indicated on the presentation of the Railways Statement last session, the Minister for Railways (Hon. J. G. Coates) has arranged for the supply of three motor-trains, for use on nonpaying branch lines. It is considered likely that they will be given a good trial on lines in Canterbury. If they prove satisfactory the service will be extended. In making this statement the Minister indicated that he was impressed with the success of motortrains in England, and in New Sbuth Wales. As in the case of Australia, the “bodies” will be constructed 'll New Zealand, and work on them is now progressing at the Petone workshops.

At the conplclion of business <.n Friday evening last the staff of the Paeroa branch of tlic Farmers’ Union Trading Company assembled to sav farewell to Mr K. L. Ashton, of the grocery department, who has been transferred to the Whangarei brane!). On behalf of the stall, the manage', M l ' D. Brown, presented Mr Ashton wi ( h a gold-mounted Swan fountain pen and a gold Eversharp rencil as a token of the esteem in which he was hold hv his fellow workers. Mr Brown said that much as he regretted his departure from Paeroa he had no wish to stand in the way of his transfer, .and congratulated him on his promotion, and vished him good luck and prospeiity. Mr Ashton responded and thanked Mi' Biown and the staff for the tangible- expressions of goodwill which had been accorded him.

4t Thursday’s meeting of the Paeroa Domain Board the use of the domain was granted free of charge to the local Presbyterian Sundav School in which to held its annual picnic.