NEEDS OF OTAHUHU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15558, 16 March 1914, Page 5

NEEDS OF OTAHUHU.

CONFERENCE WITH MR. LANG.

Several matters of interest to Otahuhu were discussed at a conference on Saturday afternoon between the Hon. F. W. Lang, M.P. for the district, and the Otahuhu Borough Council. The proposed stock road from Otahuhu railway station to the saleyards was considered. The old Road Board had asked the Government for a subsidy for making this road and erecting a bridge, but was refused. The necessity which existed for this important road was pointed out to Mr. Lang, who was also shown how great a benefit the road would be to the farmers of a very extensive area, and also to the stockbrokers, to whom it would prove a great convenience. Mr. Lang said he judged that it would be advisable for a deputation to wait upon the Minister. As member tor the district he would be glad to arrange for an interview with the Minister, and would assist in placing the whole of the facts before him.

The next item discussed was the proposed acquisition of the old police barracks, which the council had leased from the Government on a peppercorn rent Considerable repairs were required, and draining was also necessary to comply with the demands of the Health Department. The council wished to obtain tho fee simple of this property, so that the same might be used as a- fire brigade station. Mr. Lang said that this was another matter which the deputation he ihad suggested might- place before the Minister. In view of the property being in such a dilapidated state, and the considerable cost of repairs, he considered the council's proposition a very proper one, and he would use his best endeavours lo get the council's request grantee).

Strop; representations were made to Mr. Lang in regard to the train service, and the Mayor stated that the district had been fighting for the Sunday night train for years without result. The 'Mayor submitted facts and figures justifying the application. Mr. Lang recommended that a deputation should wait on the Minister for Railways. The Mayor : " That has been done." Mr. Lang: " Try again " The Mayor said that what was wanted was that the 4.25 train be made a r.on-stop train between Auckland and Penrose. Mr. Lang said that all these matters could be discussed with the Minister.