RAILWAY AFFAIRS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 44, 15 November 1912, Page 3

RAILWAY AFFAIRS.

Meeii: j of Delegates.

A m:eting < f\ epres?nutives convened by the Progressive Leagua u: various leal bodies and public institutions *Sfis held at Mr C. K. Lawrie'e crhce at Pukekohe, yesterday afternoon. There were present— Mes-rs C. K. Lawrie (chairman) a-d J. Ccmric, Pukekohe Borough Council; '.. Motion, J. Flanagan and H Wilcox. Franklin County Ceuncil; R. F. Webster, Pukekohe Chamber of Commerce; S. Atfisor, Paparata Road Board; T. A. Alexander, Opaheke Road Board; W. H. C. Glasson, Drury Road Board; J. McCullum, Dru'y Progressive League; J. Wylie, A. and P. Society. The chairman briefly explained the object of the meeting. SUBURBAN AREA. Mr C. Motion said the principal idea was to extend the suburban fare area. It was suggested Wis should reach as far as Msrcer. Mr McCullum explained at eome length the claims of Dtury for the suburban setvice, mentioning in the course of his remarks that some years ago Drury had the suburban service, but it had been stopped, wny he could not say. Mr Flanagan expressed doubt whether Drury was ever really.in the suburban area ss far as fares were concerned. They once had concessions which had since been lost. Recently the actual suburban area was extended to Papakura, and the Drury regressive League had striven to obtain recognition of their claims. They realised tint they mcs'. have the assistance of and this meeting was the result. He advocated the int-oduction of "week end trips," which bad become so popular in other countries. He strongly criticised Ihe railways, contending they were the slowest, the most uncomfortable and the most expensive in the world. He moved. That all travellers south of Papakura to Mercer be granted tb.3 benefit of the suburban fare to Papakura. Mr Comrie seconded the resolution. Mr Allison suggested asking for a reduction of fares. Mr Motion pointed oat the danger of asking too much, as they might pet nothing, He thought the chief obj'.ct was to get the trains, they could then get the reduction in fares. Mr McCullum said that 25 years ago fares toDrcry were lower then they werj to-day. Th2 resolution was put and carried. AFTERNOON TRAIN WANTED. The next matter discussed was the time-table, strong reference being made to the absence of a fast passenger train leaving Auckland at aoout cne o'clock. Mr Webster moved, That the Minister be askel to. place a passenger trail on the timetable leaving Auckland at about one p.m. Mr Comrie seconded the resolution. tar Motion suggested that the goods train leaving Auckland at 12.50 take goods for beyond Mercer only, and have passenger carriages attached. It would not alter the traffic very considerably and they had a chance of getting this. Mr Flanagan agreed with Mr Motion that it would be foolish to ask foi too much. He favoured the train leavirg between 1 and 1.30 in the afternoons, and he considered Mr Motion's suggestion would get over all the difficulties. Mr Glasson and the chairman supported the resolution.—Carried. Mr Comrie moved, That the deputation ask that tbe first train from Mercer and ths four 'o'clock train from Auckland be quickened up, and suggest that the four train be run as an express trom Newmarket to Per rose. Mr Allison seconded the resolution. —Carried. SUNDAY TRAINS. The opinion of the meeting was that the Sunday trains were hardly reeiuired at present. SATURDAY NIGHT TRAIN. The chairman moved, That the train leaving Auckland on Saturdaynight at about eleven o'clock, instead of stopping at Papakura, run on to Mercer. Mr Allison seconded.the resolution. Carried. WEEK END TRIPS: Mr Flanagan urged the importance to Auckland and district of the week end trips. He That the deputation ask for the istabii-hment of week end trips at fxcursion rates, between Auckland aTid Mercer. Mr Webster seconded the resolution, which was carried. POKENO PASSENGERS. Mr Flanagan said Mr Lyons had asked him to brii:g forward the matt.r of the second express stopping at Ptfktno. He understood that at the present time a person coming dovm by the express to Poker.o had t0 go on to Mercer, and a person had to be very smart to catch the train coming back to Pokeno. He moved, that the second express stop at Pokeno. iMr Wilcox seconded the resolution. Mr Cuonrie strongly opposed the resolution. He pointed out that all that was required was for the slow train to be delayed a little. Mr Hanagan agree:-' that this would be the letter lourjc and withdrew hi? motion in favuur of it. iiXPKESSEa A I PUKEKOHE. lhc chairman movfd that this meeting a=ks that the Wellington ex presse : atop at Pukekohe Mr Albson seconded the resolution, which was carried. RECREATION GROUND. >lr W'lroX moved, that the meet--1(l . Pukek )he all in their . -i. •.••are a recreation ground. Jed -('amid. • ,• 'eji \ al.man, Metisi * • V'" •'■ ' J - Wv '"' t " ••.ait " f •• i'r.me '■•• •■ ter on bia vuit to cr o..:vour to make arrangemwita for him to receive the deputation. v.