THE PAHIATUA PROJECT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 4 August 1913, Page 5

THE PAHIATUA PROJECT.

PROPOSED MOTOR-'BUS COMPANY., (Eketahuna Express.) The meeting called at Pongaroa on Friday evening for the purpose of discussing the proposed motor 'bus service between Pongaroa and Pahiatua, which is being worked, up by Pahiatua', was fairly well attended. Mr <R. B. Robertson, County Chairman, presided.. Mr Harold Smith, of Pahiatua, addressed the 'meeting at length and on behalf of the promoters of the scheme, outlined its details. Some of the points given were as follows: "That the Pahiatua people recognised that a better and more speedy service wasvneeded; that the proposed company would furnish this requirement; that 5000 £1 shares would be offered the public; that only 2s 6d per share would be required on allotment, the remainder to be collected by monthly calls of Is; that it was -proposed to acquire the plant of the present mail contractor at the price of £1000; that of this the contractor was prepared to accept £350, the remaining £650 to be invested in shares; that-a fair interest on money invested would be paid; that the.project was not a speculation; that the directors would decide which, route was to be utilised, via Pahiatua or via Eketahuna; that the service would extend to the coast if required; that two motors at, £650 each would be put on the road, and that the service would be extended if so desired; that the present mail contractor had received verbal intimation that if the Eketahuna route was found impracticable his contract would be extended, etc., etc." One gentleman pointed out that it was proposed to start a v motor 'bus service from Eketahuna without auy demand whatever upon Pongaroa residents. After several questions had been asked and answered, the meeting terminated. One lady present promised to take up £SO ,worth of shares in the proposed company. It was decided to place a list in the County office for the signatures of prospective shareholders.