THE PEOPLE’S COLUMN

Northern Advocate, 23 May 1929, Page 4

THE PEOPLE’S COLUMN

[Our columns are open to the public for the discussion of matters of public concern. We invite correspondence, but do not identify ourselves with the views expressed by our correspondents. Letters should be written in ink and on one side of the paper only. The real name and address of the writer must be attached to a letter, not necessarily for publication, but as a mark of good faith. —Ed.]

NORTH EXPRESS TIME TABLE.

(To the Editor.)

.Sir, —You may Avish to know how noAV stands the matter of the proposed alteration of the time table of the north express from Auckland. I have been in daily tele-graphic communication AV-ith the Minister of Railways, and haA r e personally interviewed the Minister of Marine, who promised to relate to the Minister of Railways' his recent personal experiences on this train.

“I have now reeeiA'ed the following telegram from the Minister of RailAvays:—■,

“Concerning your representations regarding time table alterations, the Department has no intention of forcing any alteration such as mentioned in your telegrams. Before anything is done, the proposal will bo made public, as they wore made as regarding the South Island time table'alterations, and ample opportunity will bo given to all concerned to make representations before any alterations arc brought into operation. I am assured there is absolutely no necessity for any alarm whatever. The General Manager will be in Auckland on Monday, and is meeting the Chamber of Commerce and other people concerned for the purpose of discussing the proposals, and if any interested party in your district desires to send representatives to Auckland the General Manager will bo pleased to see them on that date and discuss the matter fully and frankly with them. ('Signed) W. B. Taverner,” “Minister of Railways, Wellington. —Thank you for telegram re time table north express. Public bodies and associations throughout the electorate insistent in request that time of arrival at Otiria be at least one hour earlier than at present. Beg that you will permit oral representations of self and Minister of Marine before sanctioning later arrival. Notice too short for conference at Auckland. I have today wired the President of the Chamber of Commerce.— Rushworth. ”

I 'President, Chamber of Commerce, Auckland. —Re thy proposed alteration in time table of the north express, the Minister wires that the Department's representative is discussing the matter with your chamber today, and suggests that deputation from this electorate should join discussion. Notice too short. Feeling here strong and unanimous. 'Representations pouring la from public bodies and representative associations insistent request that train be speeded up to arrive at Otiria at least one hour earlier than at present. Very grateful if you will convoy this to Department’s representative.—Rushworth. ’ ’ I find that considerable interest is taken in this matter throughout the North, and I have asicod Mr A. ,T. Murdoch, the Member for Marsdcn, to co-operate with mo in dealing with the subject.—l am, etc., H. M. RUSHWORTH.