PAPAKURA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 5, 10 April 1912, Page 2

PAPAKURA.

Improved Railway Service

Needed.

The residents of Papakura and the surrounding districts, including Clevedon and Hunua, are making strenuous endeavours to obtain a much.needed improvement in their railway service to Auckland. A preliminary public meeting was held in the Library on March 25th, when the Papakura Suburban Bailway League was formed, Mr Alfred Willis being elected Chairman, and Mr Jones Secretary. The purpose of the organisation is to place before the Minister for Eailways the urgent necessity of a better service of trains to and from the city. On Monday? Ist April, a first meeting of the League was held in the Papakura Parish Hall. The meeting was well attended from all districts, many of those present coming from ten and more miles distant to give their ardent support to the objects of the gathering. Proceedings were opened by the Chairman, Mr Alfred Willis, after which the Rev. Wood made a strong speech and read the following resolutions, which were carried—(l) That the present service from Papakura to Auckland, and vice versa, is not frequent enough to meet the requirements of the residents and the travelling public. (2) That requests be made to the Minister for Eailways to extend the trains, which at present stop at Papatoetoe, to Papakura; also the one leaving Auckland at 10.28 to be extended from Otahuhu. (3) That the meeting approves the formation of the Papakura Suburban Area League, and pledges itself to support the League in pressing claims for a better railway service. (4) That a copy of the resolutions be sent to the Minister for Railways, and a deputation be sent to support them, and petitions be sent to the surrounding districts

embodying the above. Mr Wood pointed eut that it was very encouraging that such a wellattended meeting should be held so soon after the League's formation, and urged a pressure of claims without loss of time now that the opportunity was favorable.

Messrs Clements, Stembridge, Hewitt, Captain Colbeck aud Captain Waters all addressed the meeting and brought forcible and undoubted reasons to the fore, showing the many claims Papakura has towards obtaining her object of more frequent trains. Mr W. F. Massey, M.P., who most kindly arranged to be present, made an interesting and most hopeful speech. He offered his congratulations on the evident vigour of the League. He mentioned that he had recently travelled from Otahuhu to Pukekobe with the former Minister for Railways, and then took the opportunity to point out to him the necessity for improvements. His remarks were recorded ot the time so that although there was now a new Minister for Railways he still hoped his remarks would have influence. In America, he pointed out, they have motor carriages carrying 75 passengers up to a speed of 40 miles an hour, and that is just what was wanted in the suburban service, and it has been promised that some of these will soon be ordered. He met a short time ago a fellow passenger of world-wide experience in travelling, and this gentleman informed -him that the New Zealand railways were the worst he had experienced, except that from Jaffa to Jerusalem. Mr Massey promised, when shortly he visits Wellington, to see the Minister for Railways and talk of the improvements as, owing to the tremendous growth of Auckland and the rapidity with which land wa3 being taken up, the time had undoubtedly come for a move in the direction desired by the meeting. After votes of thanks, of a most hearty nature, had been accorded to Mr Massey and the Chairman, the successful meeting was brought to a close,