THE WAIUKU RAILWAY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 170, 2 May 1916, Page 3

THE WAIUKU RAILWAY.

Minister of Public Works'

Inspection.

Good News for Patumahoe.

For the purpose of making observation of the progress of the construction of the Waiuku railway line a visit was paid to the district yesterday by the Hon. W. Fraser (Minister of Public Works), who was accompanied by Mr McAlister i Private Secretary), Mr Bigg-Wither (Auckland District Engineer) and Mr Hall-Jones (the Engineer for the railway). The Minister arrived at Pukekohe from Auckland by the Thames express and first motored out to Patumahoe.

At Patumahoe a short stay was made at Mr Bailey's Hotel, where a number of the residents had assembled to meet the Minister. Several matters of interest to the district were discussed, among others the completion of the line to Patumohoe ftation and the opening of that section to traffic at the earliest date. The Minister advised that the wish of the residents had been anticipated in that direction, as he had already given instructions for the laying of the sleepers and rails and the ballasting of the section, and he reckoned that in three months at the outside the section would be available for the carriage of goods and passengers. Needless to say the i assuiance from the Minister gave general satisfaction. The Minister also agreed to further the residents' request for assistance in providing a i ecreation ground for the district by lading their representations before the proper authority, and he promised his assistance when an opportune time arrived. Last year's vote for putting the road and footpath from Patumahoe township to the railway station in order, the Minister promised, would be made available by the time the line was completed to Patumahoe. The Minister's visit proved a source of considerable satisfaction, and after partaking of light lefreshments the party departed for Waiuku, with hearty cheers from the assembled gathering, Messrs J. Henry, Cuff, Kavanagh arfd Cantelin accompanied the Minister and party to Waiuku, where various matters coming within the piovince of the Minister were discussed, after which luncheon was served in Mr Morrison's Hotel to some fifty guests, the usual toasts being duly honoured, Mr A. M. Barriball presiding in his usual capable manner. After lunch the party proceeded to the site of the Waiuku station, and after inspecting the same a return was made by motor to Pukekohe.