JOHNSONVILLE LINE

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 39, 14 August 1940, Page 5

JOHNSONVILLE LINE

CONGESTION COMPLAINT

POSITION DISCUSSED

Congestion on the Johnsonville line was discussed at last night's meeting of the committee of the Ngaio Progressive Association. It was stated that in his annual Railways Statement, the Minister (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) said the relief of this congestion was one of the most urgent matters facing his Department. , Members of the committee said it was likely to remain so unless agitation for improvement was continued.

Mr. E. Turksma said the Government had erected or intended to erect over 140 new houses in Ngaio. Thirty had been built, 64 were in course of construction, tenders had been called for 33, and the Railways Department was building 15, air of which would lead to more people using the railway service. There was also a large amount of building going on at Khandallah.

Other members said the erection of these houses would increase the number of people travelling on buses, which were already overcrowded.

Mr. G. E. Littlejohn said he had counted as many as 32 people standing in the late evening bus from town.

Mr. H. L. Cummings said that, in spite of the war, firms manufacturing electric units were still catering for the civil and export trade. He understood that the only obstacle in the way of purchasing more units was lack of sterling funds.

It was decided to communicate with the Khandallah Progress Association and the Johnsonville Town Board, suggesting that they should obtain figures of building going on in their districts and to make arrangements for a deputation to wait on the Minister of Railways.