SUBURBAN RAILWAYS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 97, 24 April 1912, Page 3

SUBURBAN RAILWAYS.

NEW MINISTER'S POLICY. AUCKLAND, 23rd April. ** A new policy jurith regard to suburban feulway services was announced by' the Minister for Hallways (the Hon. A. M. Myerß) to-day in granting the request of a, deputation for an increased service between Auckland and Papakura, a section of nineteen miles. The effect of his statement was that train services for suburban areas should be in advance of. traffic, in which they would induce an increase. Mr. Myers stated that he intended to make the improvement of suburban railway services throughout the Dominion a feature of his administration of the railways. (Applause-) H© had recognised the importance of the matter for many years, and he was convinced that the interests of the people ■would be conserved by the provision of rapid and convenient transit between suburban areas and the centres of population. The interests of town, and country were interdependent, and intimately connected with the matter of suburban, railway services v/as the grave question of housing the workers, in the solution of which the provision of transit facilities would be a factor of vital importance. In fact, the housing problem could not be solved until the transport question was successfully attacked. "I recognise that the railways must be conducted on business-like lines," continued Mr. . Myers, "but the system is owned by the State, and there are other factors affecting the interests of the community which are also deserving of consideration. (Hear, hear.) By pro° viding for an assured traffic distinct commercial success would be assured, but there aro other aspects of the matter to be considered." Mr. Myers added that an extension of suburban services would probably not pay immediately, but he believed it would be justified by the increased settlement that would be induced by a more rapid and more regular pervice.