THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 8, 1 May 1912, Page 4

THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

♦ Papakura and Drury. We have already reported the efforts that have been made at Papakura and Drury with a view to securing better railway facilities. It is pleasing to know that as a result of a deputation (about 40 strong), which waited upon the Hon. A. M. Myers, Minister for Railways, the Papakura service is to be improved. The deputation represented, amongst other places, the Papakura Town Board, Papakura Valley Town Board, Hunua Eoad Board, Olevedon District, Drury Road Board, Karaka Road Board, Papakura Railway League, etc It was pointed out that although Manurewa and Papakura were respectively only 15 and 19 miles from the largest city in the Dominion, yet they had only three passenger trains daily. For comparison, a table was submitted showing that these suburban districts were worse treated than any other suburban districts in New Zealand. It was also shown that there had been no improvement in the number of trains between Auckland and Manurewa from 1889 to 1911, as follow: 1889. '94. '99. 'O4. 'll. To Auckland 4 3 4 4 4 From Auckland 3 3 5 3 4 Tho population served by the two stations had increased from 1792 in 1901 to 2431 in 1911, and the progress of the district was being retarded solely for want of a better service. The petition further pointed out that the district lent itself especially to the formation of village farm settlements, inasmuch as a worker could secure 3 acres of land for the price of ]-acre in Ellerslio. The Minister replied that he had decided to extend the service to Papakura, and though probably the increased service would not pay immediately, he believed the improvement would be warranted by the more rapid settlement which it would induce. (Applause.) On week days an additional train would be run to Papakura, leaving Auckland at 3.15 p.m., and two additional up trains, leaving Papakura at 9.55 a.m. and 4.40 p.m. That would make a total of 11 passenger trains daily instead of the present eight trains between Aucklaud aud Papakura. On Wednesdays and Saturdays a late train would bo run to Papakura, leaving Auckland at 11.20 p.m. If the traffic warranted it, this lat,o train would be made a daily one. There were no Sunday trains between Auckland and Papakura, and he had decided that two trains should be run each way. It was intended to dispatch the Sunday train which now leaves Onehunga at 11.45 a.m. at 10 a.m., to arrive in Auckland at 10.30 a.m. The new time-table would be commenced on June Ist. The following is approximately the time-table for the increased service between Auckland and Papakura : Auc'land-Papakura Papakura-Auc'land Depart. Arrive. Depart. Arrive. DAILY TRAINS. 7.28 a.m. 8.40 a.m. 7.57 a.m. 8.55 a.m. 12.10 p.m. 1.50 p.m. *9.55 a.m. 11.6 a.m. 1: 3.15 p.m. 4.25 p.m. 11.27 a.m. 1.8 p.m. 4.15 p.m. 5.25 p.m. 1.23 p.m. 2.27 p.m. 5.41 p.m. 6.50 p.m. *4.40 p.m. 5.46 p.m. WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY. *11.15 p.m. 12.20 a.m. ! SUNDAY TRAINS. *9.0 a.m. 10.5 a.m. * 10.15 a.m. 11.20 a.m. *4.0 p.m. 5.5 p.m *5.15 p.m. 6.20 p.m. *New trains. Drtjry not so Lucky. ' The deputation from Drury appeal- < ed to the Minister to extend the present suburban radius (20 miles), so , as to inclnde Drury (22 miles from j * Auckland). They also pointed out' s anomalies in the fare to Drury as j a compwd with the fare to Papakura, • r 3 miles nearer town. ' a Tho Minister held out little hope to ' the deputation, so fir as extending the suburban radius was concerned. * He said that there must be a fixed a radius, and a policy must be laid c down. Me was sorry, because he i wished to give every facility possible, and when the traffic to Drury increas- c ed he might be abb: to meet their ; ',! wishes. He promised to look into tl the question of disproportionate railway fares.