MINISTER OF RAILWAYS

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 24 April 1912, Page 3

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS

TOUR OF INSPECTION OF NORTH AUCKLAND SECTION

SPECIAL TRAIN STUCK UP AT

HELENSVILLE.

THE MINISTER AND PARTY VISIT THE SPRINGS.

! The Minister of Railways (Hon Arthur M.Myers) made a.tour of inspection on the North Auckland section on Monday, accompanied by his private setretary (Mr F. D. Thomson), going by special train to Te Hana, which' is the present terminus of the North Auckland Main Trunk line, for the purpose of making an inspection. The following were also present by in-* vitation: — Messrs J, H, Bradney, A. Hairis, J.Bollard, J. S. Dickson, A...E. . Glover, and J, Gr. Coates, M.P.'s, P.J. & jNerheny (president of the Liberal and f^sjjabour Federation), B. Myers, T.W. Si£;Leyß, T.Royane.(generel manager of 'railways), W. Bowles (traffic ms.niager) L. C. Hamaina (assistant-traffic manager)^., Richardson (railways locomotive engineer), and A, Hosh(distric en- ■> gineer). <

The train wMch left. Auckland at about 9.30 a.m., did the journey to Heleffsville in an hour and a^haif, arriving at 11 a.m., intending to proceed straight on to Te Hana, and then return to Helensville to meet a deputation of townspeople. Rut even the "Minister's special," had no effect on theffeual state of things on the Kaipara line, and the party had to hang round the station waiting for a " Stock special," which was somewhere on the line between1 here and Wellsford, but its exact position could not be placed by the host of Railway officials, Members of Parliament, etc., present, and after waiting and fuming round for about an hour, Mr Myers, who had had time to grasp the state of affairs ruling on this section, de-, tided to visit the Hot Springs, before proceeding North, and postpone the receiving of the deputation until some future1 occasion, when bettei arrangements may be made. Mr Jas Stewart soon had his motor. car and lorry ready, and without any blocks landed the party at the Springs where those who were visitors for the first time expressed their great surprise that the Springs were not better known throughout the Dominion, having no idea that there was such excellent mineral waters and baths so near the Northern City. Mr Stewart pointed out to the Minister that the LIOOO granted for improving the Domain had been expended and Government assistance would be required to complete the work in hand; and to build a ladies swimming 'bath and a sanatorium. He also pointed out the expediency for granting special weekend tickets on the Railway for visitors to the bath, with an early train to the City on Monday mornings. At the suggestion of Mr Myers, Mr Stewart undertook to" submit the Domain Board's proposals in writing. Return-* rag from the. Springs the motor car conveying the Minister broke down and Mr Myers had to be picked up by the lorry conveying the rest of the party, on taking his seat in the latter the Minister remarked "There must be a Jonah amongst us." The party arrived safely back in the township, and resumed the journey to Te Hana at about 1.30 p.m, They arrived at Te Hana about 3.30 p.m., and Mr Myers interviewed various oi»----ficials who were carrying on the work of construction, under the control of the Public Works Department. Mr Coates pointed out to the Minister that the Public Works Depart-, inent were running a train from Kaiwaka to Te Hana, but the passengers had to travel in trucks. This was proving a great hardship to women and children. The section from Kaiwaka would probably be taken uver by the Railway Depaitment in about a month. The Minister at once decided that a carriage should be put on the line for the use of passengers from next Monday. .On the return to Helensville at five o'clock the Minister and party were entertained at afternoon tea at the Terminus Hotel by the Chairman of the Town Board and other?, leaving for the City at 5,30 and arriving at 7,3 U.