OTAHUHU.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 269, 24 April 1917, Page 3

OTAHUHU.

[The Otahuhu Agent for " The Times" is Mr Bathe, from whom copies of the paper may be obtained, Mr Bathe is also authorised to receive advts. and printing orders on our behalf.] CONFERENCE ON TRAIN CURTAILMENTS. As the outcome of the decision arrived at by the Otahuliu Borough Council at their last meeting, a conference was held on Friday evening at the Council Chambers, Otahuhu, to discuss the question of travelling facilities in view of the proposed curtailment of the train sen-ice. The following delegates, representing local bodies in the district, were present:— The Moyar of Otahuhu (Mr. J. A. Atkinson), Crs. J. Todd, A. Lowe, A. Ross, H. J. Hall, J. Wijson (Otahuhu Borough Council), Crs. A. Muir, J. C. Bryant (Manukau County Council), Messrs. R. M. Gillespie (Papakurn Town Board), F. J. Corin (Manurewa Town Board), W. Massey, E. H. Solomon (Mangere Road Board), with the v town clerk (Mr. C. J. Kent-Johnston). The Mayor of Otahuhu presided, and explained that the meeting had been called to consider railway traffic generally and to obtain information with - regard to the requirements of each district. Continuing, His Worship expressed his personal opinion that it would bo a mistake to embarrass the Government by deputations. At the same time it was their duty a= public men to assist in any way to meet the difficulty which would b 1 created by the reduced train service. In view, however, of the coal miners and waterside workers' strike the situation had so developed that drastic action would have, to be taken by the Railway Department to meet the situation. Cr. Todd said that the situation was rather serious, but the districts represented there that night would simply have to help each other, and he was inclined to suggest that the conference should frequently meet. Cr. Muir enquired if the meeting had any information as to the number of trains to be discontinued. +o which the Mayor replied in the negative. The town clerk (Mr. C. .T. KentJohnston), at the request of the chairman, Mien read a statement from the Otahuhu stationmaster (Mr. J. Carnachan), showing that the approximate number of passengers leaving Otahuhu (up to 8 a.m.) were (workers) 130; season ticket holders (up to 9 a.m.) 30. ordinary passengers 30. while the average number travelling after 7 p.m. was 15. To Auckland and intermediate stations throughout the dav about 200 were booked. Mr. Corin urged that accommoda- , tion should be provided for passengers beyond Papatoetoe to Papakura. He suggested that the 10.40 p.m. from Auckland should be continued to Papakura. If they do not make any more, said Mr. Corin, we will get nothing. The Mayor intimated that he did not think any real good would 'be gained by a deputation. Cr. Todd urged that a Friday cr Saturday late train was necessary. Mr. Gillespie (Papakura) said he would support the workers' trains, but he .thought it would be better to wait until the time-table was issued. Mr. Hall urged that immediate action should be taken by the conference. Mr. Gillespie said he would support the late Friday night train. Cr. Lowe emphasised the importance of catering for the workers, many of whom worked on the wharf until 10 p.m. After some discussion it was moved by Mr. Corin. seconded by Mr. Gillespie. and carried, " That this conference of members of local bodies form a deputation to wait upon the district traffic manager (Mr. A. Duncan) to ask that a .train leaving Auckland for Papakura about 10.40 each evening should be run. The following were appointed as the deputation to wait on the district manager, viz., the Mavor and Cr. H. J. Hall (Otahuhu), Crs. A. Muir and J. C. Bryant (Manukau County 0.-mn-cil), Messrs. R. M. Gillespie 'Papakura), F. J. Corin (Manurewa) and W. Massey (Mangere). Mr. F. Andrews, motor bus proprietor, Otahuhu, who was present at the meeting by invitation, intimated that be was prepared to provide a motor bus service especially in the interests of the workers and business people either from Onehunga or Auckland. THE DEPUTATION. The deputation du'y waited on Mr A. Duncan, the Railway District Traffic Manager on Friday. The * principal request preferred was that after the coal crisis has been ended an evening train from the city should be run at about 10.30 p.m or 10.40 p.ju., for the convenience of late workers and technical school students It was also desired~-that the 5.22 train should run as far as Papakura and the 5.42 train to Papatoetoe, interchanging their present war time-tables, and that the late train provided for Saturday night should run on Friday night instead. Mr Duncan took a note of the representations made, and undertook to forward them to the Minister for Railways. ORANGE BLOSSOMS. SUTHERLAND-ABSOLUM. On Wednesday last a very pretty wedding took place at the Church ->f St. Mark, Remuera, the contracting parties being Hilda Gertrude, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Absolum, of Otahuhu, and Norman Alexander, second son of Mr. and Mrs. D. Sutherland, of Onehunga. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. Wm. Beatty, vicar of St. .Marks. ' The bride was given away by her j father, and was attended by her sister. Miss Olive Absolum. and the sister | <>f the bridegroom, Miss Elfrida Suth- j erland. as bridesmaids. ! - Mr. Jack Kelson acted as best man. Airs. John Hunt, of Manaia (aunt of the bride), presided at the- organ. ] The bride was dressed in while satin arid crepe ueoruette witli court train. ;ind wore the orthodox veil with i,range and carried a bouquet of white roses. Die bridesmaids were attired in fawn with wine ('acinus and hats t > match. Ihe brideurooin's gift to the bride was a o-old bracelet, and t It" bridesmaidwore gold brooches, the gift of the bridegroom. The popularity of the young cauple was demonstrated by the large e..moanv. who. nfler the ceremony, assembled at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Absolum. where a la rue mar<|U was erected. . A reception look place, and lavi-h hospitality was dispensed. The usual toasts were duly honoured. and spopclics "I til** utmost t< - wards the newly married pair were made and responded to. The happv couple left on tie- h"i>eyllUM,n tour bv motor, the travelling costume of the bride being navy gabardine and furs and hat to match. Icth parties received numerous useful and ornamental presents.

THE ELECTIONS

As to-morrow, the day fixpd for the mayoral and Council elections, approaches interest increases as to the chances of the respective parties

for election and bo f h sides, aslilso the " independent " candidates, are working hard to achieve success. An open-air meeting was held last Friday evening at the Memorial Lamps by Mr A. G. Cooke in support of his candidature, when ho disclaimed any connection with the " I.W.W.'s," wfth which body it has been freely rumoured he had been associated whilst he was in the United States, Mr Cooke also discoursed on the unfair treatment he had received from the Borough Council in the matter of water supply to his house. The speaker promised the electors that, if successful, everything would be done " straight and above board " and that everybody would receive fair aai! proper treatment. OTAHUHU POLICE COURT. MONDAY, APRIL 23rd. (Before the Mayor (Mr J. A. Atkinson) and Mr C. J. Kent-John-son, J.P's.) James McGee, labourer, was charged for being drunk on Saturday A further charge was also preferred against him for refusing to leave licensed premises when requested. Defendant pleaded not guilty and the case was adjourned until Thursday next to be dealt with by the Stipendiary Magistrate. Herbert Arthur Berry (31), labourer, was charged with the theft of the sum of 30.s frrtm Mrs C. Prescott with whom he lodged. Defendant, who pleaded guilty and admitted he was drunk at the time was convicted to c.me up for sentence when called upon. At his own request a prohibition order was taken out against himself.