REQUEST FOR RAILWAY FACILITIES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 17038, 13 December 1915, Page 9

REQUEST FOR RAILWAY FACILITIES.

MINISTER PROMISES HELP

A deputation from the River Bank Carnival Committee, consisting of Messrs W. J. Jenkin, «T. 0. Jameson and H. R. Best, was introduced to the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon G. W. Russell) on Saturday by Mr J. M'Combs, M.P., with a request for special late trains on Thursday (Anniversary Day). Mr Jenkin; said that up to the present only one late train had been promised, and that was on the north line. Tho railway authorities had not referred the matter to Wellington, maintaining that tho traffic would not warrant extra trains, but the committee knew differently, as the carnival would draw huge crowds. The effort was entirely for the Patriotic Fund., Mr Jameson, who apologised for the Mayor's absence, said that tTie carnival had grown like a snowball, and the evening programme was most attractive.

In reply to tho Minister it was stated that special trains inwards and excursion fares had been arranged, but all tho "outward trains left early. The deputation asked for late trains to Little River, Southbridge, Ashburton, Springfield and Amberley, leaving at 10.30 p.m. or later. The programme closed at ten o'clock. One of the great attractions at night would be a fireworks display and an electrical and water display .by the Public Works Department. Tho Minister said that he wquld telegraph immediately to the Minister of Ilailwlays, urging that the request should be acceded to. He regarded tho concession not only as a fair thing to those wno had worked for the carnival, but also as pound business for tho Railway Department. Country peoplQ would not com© into town merely for an hour or two, but if they were assured of a " night out" they would come in hundreds.

The deputation thanked the Minister.

• NOTES.

Spealnng at the St ist Ohurch yesterday morning, the Rev Percy Knight made a strong appeal to tho St Albans Methodists to support the work which the church was carrying out at the Riverside Carnival at Hagley Park on Thursday. The Ministers' Association had entered a protest against the gambling tendencies and had made provision for taking part in the carnival without reporting to snch expedients. A Methodist tent would be in evidence, and ho hoped that they would attend in large number, so that the financial results would be creditable.

Messrs Barrett, Gresson and Walker have been appointed honorary judges in conjunction with the special session of the court being held on Thursday next at Hagk-y Park at eleven o'clock in the forenoon. The honorary chairman. Mr Jehlcin, 628, Colombo Street, will be" glad to hqnr from the owners of portable boilers willing to hire or lend them for the afternoon tea tents.

Pioneers and pilgrims desiring seats reserved in the parade of motor-car-are requested to apply to the section commanders, Messrs Edgar F. Stead. " Ham," Riccorton, .and' Michael H. Godby, 176, Hereford Street. A meeting of wholesaJo and retail dairymen will be held in the Zetland Hotel to-night, at 8 p.m., to make arrangements with regard to the donation of milk to the carnival. Entries for the Flower Show will close to-morrow, at S p.m.. with the secretary, Mr Butler, 92, Worcester Street.