ELECTRIC RAILWAY

Press, Volume C, Issue 29557, 5 July 1961, Page 16

ELECTRIC RAILWAY

Extension Plan (Parliamentary Reporter] WELLINGTON, July 4. A strong plea to the Minister of Railways (Mr McAlpine) to consider the extension of the area served by electric railways around Christchurch was made in the House of Representatives today by Mr R. M. Macfarlane (Opposition, Christchurch Central). Speaking in the Address-in-Reply debate, Mr Macfarlane said that an enormous amount of development and growth Lad taken place outside the main city area, particularly alongside the main south railway line. A recent inspection by members of Parliament had revealed the large amount of growth occurring in the Paparua and Templeton areas. Considerable development was also expected around Rolleston. “The citizens of Christchurch feel that an investigation should be made into extending the suburban area served by the electric railways, and suggest that the area might be extended to Rollesto: or even further,” said Mr Macfarlane. “In Wellington the suburban lines include the Hutt Valley and right out as far as Paekakariki, and Auckland has an extensive railway service. All we are asking'the Minister to do is request his department to-conduct an investigation into this matter. Burnham Workers

“At present a large number of workers travel daily by train to Bumham Military Camp. We know that there will be considerable growth at Burnham in that there will be an increase in the permanent force. I understand that some 40 houses are being built at Burnham this year, and that 100 persons or more go daily to the camp. “I do not want to allude to the amount of agitation that is taking place at present. I simply commend to the Minister and his department to have an open mind and conduct an investigation into electrification in that area."