CANTERBURY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12399, 12 October 1903, Page 6

CANTERBURY NEWS.

[by telegraph.—own correspondent.] Christchukch, Sunday. . THE POWER OF THE PENNY. Eighteen months ago a member of the St. Andrew's Presbyterian congregation proposed that a plate should be kept at the entrance of the church for the purpose of penny collections \ towards the improvements scheme. The- idea was adopted, and has resulted in the substantial sum of £52 being added to the fund. PROPOSED RAILWAY MOTOR SERVICE.

In spite of all protests, the Minister tor Railways has declined to expedite the train service to Culverden, the nearest station to Hfinmer Springs, the journey of 69 miles now occupying four and a-half hours. It is _ suggested that a railway motor coach might be employed on the lino, carrying about 25 _ passengers with luggage. These are running on English lines, and have proved useful for light traffic. The motor train, it is calculated, could leave Christchurch at nine a.m., arid reach Culverden about noon. A syndicate of gentlemen is prepared to equip a good motor service for the road from Culverden to Hanmer Springs if the Government will run a motor service on the line. In'; a few days it is expected that a definite announcement will be made, and that Sir Joseph Ward will be asked to consider the matter.