RAILWAY PROGRESS AT KAUKAPAKAPA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9360, 10 May 1889, Page 6

RAILWAY PROGRESS AT KAUKAPAKAPA.

Friday, the 4th of May, ISSO, will be a red letter day in the annals of this settlement. On that morning, for the first time, the train ran from here and returned again in the evening. The hour of departure was somewhat too early for much demonstration on that occasion, but when it returned again in the evening, as it approached the platform, it was greeted with three heartv cheers from the large crowd assembled. Tub was responded to as heartily from those on board the train, and so has been brought to pass an event which "20 years ago our most sanguine hopes never dreamt of. and 10 years ago only appeared as a bare probability. On Friday four passengers went in the morning, and five returned in the evening. Saturday evening showed better: on that occasion fourteen passengers landed on the platform. 1 have no doubt that this will be a favourite run for our Auckland friends on Saturdays, especially when Monday is made a train day, as. it will be shortly. DEPUTATION" TO MR. MCKEKROW. On Tuesday, 7th, Mr. McKorrow (Chief Railway Commissioner), Mr. Hudson. (District Manager), and Mr, Monk, M.H.R., according to appointment by wire, met a deputation of settlers in the afternoon at three o'clock, at the railway station, to hear their wishes in regard to railway matters. Mr. Monk introduced the deputation. Mr. Dye was spokesman. The deputation met an hour before and had agreed on certain things—First, that if possible the train should .start from here later in the morning. It was explained that, owing to the nature of the country and bad roads, settlers at a distance could not got to the train at f>.4S a.m. It was pointed out that if the train could make the same speed as the passenger train on the \\V.ikato line, it might leave here at 7 a.m. and arrive in Auckland about 9.20 a.m. ■•■ Mr. Hudson said that the Waikato train was for passengers only, while the Kaipara was a combined passenger and tratiic train, and that it would have to remain so for some time yet. It was ultimately arranged that the train would start from here at six a.m. Second : The number of trains. This deputation suggested that the present Tuesday's train should be shitted to Monday, and that a midday train should run from here on Wednesdays. That would be four trains a week. Mr. MoKerrow .seemed favourably disposed to this, but there was the question of economy to be considered. If they cannot have four trains a week, the deputation asked that the present Tuesday's train be shifted to Monday, and made to leave here about 11 a.m. iiy this arrangement they would get the advantage of the Saturday return trips. Third : It was pointed out that if trucks for firewood could bo had for about 18h, a considerable trallic in that article would take place. Mr. Hudson said the matter would be considered, but the trucks would have to be loaded at a station. Mr. W. Naughton asked if it was intended to run the train to Kanolri station? Mr. Hudson : As soon as there is traffic they will run the train. In the meantime, when Mr. Naughton had goods to take, if he would let Mr. Hudson know, the train would run up. This being all the business, the deputation warmly thanked Mr. McKerrqw and Mr. Hudson for the kindly and considerate way they.had listened to the statement of our requirements. Mr. R. Sinclair, chairman of the Waitemata County Council, said he wished to bring under the notice of the Chief Commissioner the necessity for some assistance from the Government to open out a road which would bean important feeder to the railway, the Kaukapakapa-Wainui Road, lie said he had spoken to Mr. Mitchelson on the subject on Friday and was recommended by him to briny the matter before the Chief Commissioner when he came to Kaukapakapa. The direction of the road was pointed out. W'ainui was five miles from Kankapakapa. The line of road was through private property, and would have to be fenced, and in some cases purchased as well. The Council had been trying to get the road opened, but unless some assistance was given, he was afraid that the Wahnii people would still remain cut off from railway communication, and the railway would be a loser thereby. If £500 were granted they could open out the road. Mr. McKerrow said that, though not in his department, he fully concurred that it was necessary to open roads to feed the railway. A plan of the road and estimate of cost should be prepared without delay, and forwarded to the Minister of Public Works. Mr. Rapson also spoke, urging the necessity of opening out this road. [Own Correspondent, May 7.] *