Junction station 'abandoned'

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 256, 27 September 1988, Page 1

Junction station 'abandoned'

The Ohakune Railway Station buildings have been virtually abandoned by New Zealand Railways.

That is the feeling of some of the Waimarino District Councillors who recently discussed the state of the station.

Cr Thompson told the council that Railways had "put the ball back in the council's court" over the future of

the station, which is in need of repair and maintenance. The station buildings have been vandalized and become run down since the station became unmanned earlier this year.

The Council is to write to the general Manager of New Zealand Railways asking what Railways intends to do about the poor state of the Station. The council also

wants him to realize that despite the station now being unmanned, that there are now more people than ever using the station. Up to 200 people arrive at Ohakune every Friday night on the Kiwi Lager Ski Express, as well as many passengers on regular trains. Councillors said the station is one of the area's gateways and to greet tourists with a facility in such a state was appalling. District Manager John Murrihy said the station was now the responsibility of the Railways Property Division, who were considering leasing o r renting the station buildings. He said he got the impression from Railways that "they don't care if the building falls down or goes away, they just don't want it." Councillors discussed whether the council was prepared to contribute to the upgrading of the station. "They say we (WDC) can approach Railways with any suggestions," said Cr Thompson. Cr Ellen Gould suggested Turoa Skifields could be approached for support. "It's their (Railways') building, what are they Turn page 2

Junction station abandoned

From page 1 going to do about it?" countered Councillor Bennett. He suggested seeking prices for upgrading the station for the council's benefit, but to be assertive with Railways

over their responsibilities. "If we say we are prepared to do it they'll just say go ahead. You do it," said Cr Bennett. "They've told us what they are going to do about it. They are go-

ing to abandon it," said Cr Thompson. Mayor Workman said council should certainly write to MP Richard Prebble about the issue. He said he remembered Bill Taylor suggesting to Mr Prebble that the station b e turned into a rail museum if it was ever closed. "Prebble scoffed at that and said Railways had no intention of closing the station," said Mayor Workman. The final recommendation from the works committee was to write to Railways1 general manager with copies sent to the Minister of Tourism, Kiwi Lager and Turoa Skifields.