WAIUKU RAILWAY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 603, 28 January 1921, Page 2

WAIUKU RAILWAY.

CONSTRUCTION ALMOST COMPLETE. PREMIER LOSES" NEW HA ['. ! Some time ago, when matters in > connection with the Waiuku railway' were being; discussed, by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. W. P. Mass»v member for Franklin, and a veilknown Mauku farmer, the latter remarked that it would be some' considerable time before the work was completed. Mr. Massey could not see it, and gave it as his opinion that Ine railway would be completed l*v Lane 30th, 1920. He was so confident that lie was prepared tcj back his own opinion and wagered a new hat that his prediction would some to pass. Mr. Massey was only about seven months out of his calculation, a»d therefore he lost the bet. Whether he has come up to scratch with the new piece of head gear, we are not in a position to state', but we know that the hat will be worth wearing- when it comes to light, if it is not already being worn. I On Monday last, by courtesy of Messrs. Bennett and .O'Connell, 'officers in charge of the construction of Lie line, about 60 Waiuku residents made the trip from Mellsop's Avenue, Waiuku to Patumahoc by train. On the journey the partv was greeted with cheers by settlers as the train steamed past their homesteads. Upon arrival at Patumahoc the "isitors were met by Messrs. E. C. Cuff (member of the Franklin County Council). , Joseph Henry, F. W. Kavanagh, H. I Summerville tmd Hutchinson, who extended to them a hearty welcome. The visitors were conveyed to Mr. R. D. Dunn's hotel, where" refreshments were partaken of: _ Mr. J. D. Charmers, the Franklin ■auji-cseiiki pit.iLar.ti CiPXU*OTe Aid Boa; d, telegraphed the Premier congratulating him upon the progress made and ncaring. completion of the Waiuku branch railway iine. The Prime Minister replied as follows:—"Very pleased to get your tele- . gram from Patumahoe this afternoon I intimating the successful running of the first through train from Waiuku to Patumahoe carrying passengers. | 1 express to ail concerned my heartv I congratulations on this happy even f " j --(Signed) W. F. Massey. ' | Prior to the departure of the train I for the homeward journey, Mr. A. M. i Barriball, secretary of the Waiuku I Railway League, thank'cd the residents of Patumahoe for the hearty ! welcome extended, and expressed a .hope" that it would not be long before a regular train service was running. Cheers were given for the Patumahoe residents, which were requited as the train steamed out of the Patumahoe station. The trip, which was made in about half an hour each way, was thoroughly enjoyed bv all.