NGAIO RAILWAY LINE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 62, 10 September 1937, Page 8

NGAIO RAILWAY LINE

RESTORING NATIVE BUSH

Measures to restore the native bush on the Wellington-Johnsonville railway line and its environs were discussed at the monthly meeting of the Ngalo Progressive Association last evening. S The president, Mr. H. L. Cummings. said that years ago the Ngaio district had been covered in native bush but as time passed the bush had gradually been stripped and how there was no growth at all. The association wanted the line to resemble its original appearance and to do this the consent of the Railway Department had to be obtained. He would like to see the whole line from Wellington to Johnsonville planted with trees and shrubs. Members agreed " that the scheme would be of great benefit to the district and that steps should be taken to put it into operation. It was decided to invite an official to carry out a tour of inspection of the line with members of the association. A letter was received from the Railway Department stating that it had considered the association's suggestion for running a train at 10 p.m. from Wellington to Johnsonville and had decided to take no action as the 9.30 p.m.- train would have to be changed which would meet with the opposition of the majority of the regular passengers. The potential traffic offering at 10 p.m. would not warrant the running of an extra train through to Johnsonville. The electrification of the line, the letter pointed out, would ensure the more frequent running of trains which might provide the required service.