The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, January 23, 1912. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1097, 23 January 1912, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, January 23, 1912. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

The new stationmaster has not taken up his residence in the old and dilapidated premises used for that purpose. We have previously pointed out that the building is unfit for residential purposes, for the reason that it is insanitary and worm-eaten. The late stationmaster had his furniture attacked by the borer, and the official who preceded him refused to reside in the building. The place is unfit for human habitation, and we ar e reliably informed that it was condemned years ago. In view of the fact that the Foxton section of the railways is one of the most profitable in the Dominion, it

seems strange that so little consideration is given to the appointments. The goods shed is totally inadequate, and time and again storage has been found for the Department in private-owned buildings. A shingle-roofed building is also a menace to the safety of the other buildings in the vicinity. A number of railway officials visited the station the other day, and we hope their attention was directed to the urgent need for improvements.

It is hoped that an attempt will be made in the near future to resusictate the local Chamber of Commerce. Au institution of this kind exercises a healthy influence in the bringing about of local and district requirements, and is a potent factor in strengthening the hands of the peoples’ representatives to this end. It is unnecessary to recapitulate the good work the late Chamber accomplished, but after bringing the Harbour Board into being, it gradually lanquished. Never in the history of Foxton was there a greater need for a real live Chamber than at present. The time has arrived for an improved railway service ; the linking up of the Main Trunk Line between Marton and Devin is of national as well as local importance, and Foxton’s future to a large extent is dependent upon closer settlement. Our Parliamentary representatives are anxious to render assistance in these matters, but we must take the initiative. Reforms are only accomplished by systematic agitation and it is unlikely that the Government will move unless the people are prepared to make a noise. We hope therefore that the Chamber will again be galvanised into action in order to bring about the reforms we have mentioned.