WAIKATO TRAIN SERVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13287, 20 September 1906, Page 6

WAIKATO TRAIN SERVICE.

The Minister for Railways was asked by Mr. Massey whether he would arrange for running a train from Huntly or Hamilton to Mercer, • to. connect -with the train which now leaves Mercer at ten minutes to seven a.m. for Auckland. The Minister replied as follows: " For some years a trial of a train similar to that which it is now urged should bo run was made by the Department, and did not pay expenses. The early hour of departure from Huntly which would require to be made if the train is to reach Auckland at -past nine, as at present, would be a bar to the train being availed of to any extent. This will better be recognised when I point out that in older to make a connection at Mercer the train would require to leave Huntly at a-quarler past five a.m., an hour which is far too early for the majority of the people.. From the information I have obtained, there is no doubt that the'train would be run at a great loss, while at the same time it would not, owing to the early departure that must necessarily be made, confer any commensurate advantage to tho public. Under these circumstances I regret that I cannot comply with the request at the present time. I shall, however, be quite prepared to . give the matter further. consideration in the event of the circumstances undergoing such a change as would necessitate a recasting of the timetable."

SURPLUS TROUT AT ROTORUA. During the debate on the Fisheries Conservation Bill in the Legislative Council today, the Attorney-General, replying to criticism made last week that the public should be given an opportunity to secure •some of the surplus trout caught at Rotorua and elsewhere, mentioned that it was quite within the power of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society to establish a depot for the sale of fish at Rotorua. The Hon. T. Thompson denied that any waste of fish was going on ,at Rotorua. In fact, the hotels and boardinghouses could not get enough fish. . EAST COAST RAILWAY. Several more petitions in favour of the East Coast railway were presented to-day. According to a reply made to Mr. Ell, the Government do not intend to undertake the construction of this line at present. The Minister states that when a decision is arrived at the suggestion to enforce the betterment principle will be considered. THE LAND BILL. The Lands Committee again dealt with Mr. McNab's Bill this morning. The Bill, it is understood, will have rather a stormy passage through the committee, and it is quite on the cards that .in some of the divisions the Government will find itself in a minority. It is even hinted that the committee may declare in favour of the optional system in regard to the disposal of certain "lauds under the control of the Crown. It is understood that the position of bondholders will not bo affected by the clause of the Laud. Bill relating to endowments. GIRLS" GRAMMAR SCHOOL. Mr. Kidd gave notice to-day to introduce the Auckland Girls' Grammar School Bill. The object of the measure is to provide for the transfer from the Education Board to the Grammar School Board of the proposed site of the Girls' High School, in Howestreet. ;■