MANUREWA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 224, 7 November 1916, Page 3

MANUREWA.

MANUBEWA'S TRAIN SERVICE. The Committee of ladies who have been so actively promoting the agitation for an improved suburban railway service, yesterday waited on the Minister of Railways (the Hon. W. H. Herries, M.P) in Auckland. Mr J. 8. Dickson, M.P., introduced the deputation, which consisted of Mesdames C. R. Bailey, J. Phillip*, Palmer, P. Mellors, J. W. Lovell, W. R. Perry and C. Hesketh. Mrs Bailey presented a petition with 72 signatures, reading as follows :—" To the Honourable Minister of Railways, Dear Sir,—We, the undersigned ladies, resident in the districts of Manurewa, Takanini and Wiri, do hereby make humble petition that we be given a better suburban railway service to the above districts. In making this petition we desire to emphasise a few facts: First, despite the facts that progress is evident _ right throughout these districts, with the exception of one extra train on Saturdays we have a worse service than was in existence years ago. Now, as we are largely dependent on the Waikato trains for our service, and the increased goods traffic to the Waikato has made for slower running, our district, only 15 miles from the largest city in the Dominion, is being penalised because of the increased Lower Waikato goods traffic. Second, many of our friends would gladly reside in these favour ite suburbs but for the fact that there is no serviee to4hese districts after 5.45 p.m. There is the shop worker, who leaves his shop at six p.m., and at least one night per week at 9.30 pm. Then, again, there are many families with technical and university students, and these are debarred. We regret that such conditions exist as to force such families to reside in congested areas. Third, our working men leave for the city at 6.45 am., and ceasing work at 5 p.m. are compelled to wait about the city till 5 45 p.m , arriving at Manurewa about 7 p.m. We can assure you, Sir, that in the winter months there are men who never see their children awake from Sunday to Saturday. Here the working man suffers, and thus for both man and wife the evenings are largely spoilt. These are but a few of the many arguments that might be adduced in support of our request for a better service, and we trust that you will give our petition your most favourable consideration."

Mrs Bailey followed this up by submitting further data bearing on the subject She said that in 1908 the last train to Fapatoetoe from the city was 4.15 pm. and that if one missed that one had either to charter a cab or remain in town all night. With the train service of to-day came a large increase in population. People built smart villas and showed how eager they were to leave the city. Papatoetoe had now the following train service : 4.10, 4.25, 5 22, 5.45, 6.20, 7.20, 9.30 and 10.40 p.m, which has been obtained in eight years, hence the progress of Papatoetoe. While Manurewa has managed to achieve much with a very backward train service. Mrs Bailey requested that consideration should be given to those detained in business late on certain nights in the city, or for musical and other students and for recreation or amusements. She therefore asked that the train leaving Auckland nightly at 10.40 for Papatoetoe should run on to Manurewa. From an economic stand-

point she also asked that as if people could live away from the city at such a very handy distance as Manurewa they could keep a cow and do many things to lessen the present high cost of living. Manurewa, she added, was within easy suburban radius, high and very healthy, handy to the beaches of Weymouth and had, in fact, every - thiirg in its favour, except the most important of all—a good train service. In conclusion Mrs Bailey pointed out that Henderson, which was only one mile less distant from Auckland than Manurewa had 30 trains daily ias against Manurewa's 14. Similarly Tlanurewa had six trains less than the Hutt, 20 miles from Wellington. The Minister, in reply, said that he was aware of the progress of Manurewa, and the enormous increase in the traffic. This had led to an increased service in the past, and the Department now proposed to put on a new train between Auckland and Papakura, commencing on December 1. This would leave Auckland at 5.17 p m. and arrive at Papakura at 6.15, It would leave Papakura on the return at 6.26 pm, and arrive in the city at 7.36. The train on the outward journey would stop at Newmarket, Penrose, Otahuhu,

On the return it would stop at these stations, and also when required at Mangere, Westfield, Southdown, Ellerslie, Green Lane, and Bemuera. He hoped that this tram would meet some of the present difficulties. He pointed out that in order to make further extensions in the service it would be necessary to erect engine sheds and build houses for drivers and firemen at Fapakura. The money for this could not be spared at present. Members *6f the deputation referred to the heed q! further facilities for town workers who resided at Manurewa. The Minister replied that all their wishes could not be met at present, but he hoped that in time that it would be possible to do so

A cable was received by Mr E. S. Fegler on Saturday last from his cousin, Bergeant W. A. Oldham who is with the 2nd Auckland Infantry Battalion in France, stating that he had been awarded the military medal for bravery in the Somme advance. Sergeant Oldham left New Zealand as a private in the 3rd Auckland regiment, of the 3rd Reinforcements, and took part in the landing at Gallipoli under Major Dawson whom he rescued when wounded. From a private he was raised to Sergeant and returned to New Zealand with accoutrements and belongings of fallen soldiers. Whilst on leave in Auckland he lectured on the landing at Gallipoli at Manurewa and several other places, the funds being devoted to patriotic purposes. With the Bth Reinforcements he returned to the firing line, this time to France. Mr Pegler received a cable about a fortnight ago "been through thick of fighting, usual luck, well." Sergeant Oldham is an Auckland boy, where most of his people reside. He is about 35 years.

The Methodist Guild held their closing social at the Public Hall on Friday last when there was a good attendance. Inteieating competitions and games made a very pleasant evening. At the' close Mr Enos Pegler thanked all present for the interest taken in the Guild during the sea* on The Camera Club and the Literary branches, he said, had been real live factors and he trusted that the Guild would form up again next winter.

The Sunday School Anniversary takes place on Sunday, November 19th. The Rev E. P. Blamires, of Auckland, is to conduct the morning and afternoon services, and a tea and concert will be held on the following Wednesday when the annual report will be submitted and the presentation of prizes will take place. Mr H. V. Burton is training the children and a very fine musical programme will be given.