NEW RAILWAYS MINISTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18412, 30 May 1923, Page 8

NEW RAILWAYS MINISTER.

EARLY APPOINTMENT. MR. MASSEY'S STATEMENT. BETTER WAIKATO SERVICE. MAIN TRUNK EXPRESSES. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON. Tuesday. The early appointment of a new Minister for Railways was announced by the Prime Minister to-day. He also forecasted improvement in passenger services. These announcements were made by Mr. Massey in reply to a deputation which asked for a better time-table for the Waikato. Mr. J. E. Tidd, president of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, introduced the subject. He asked that an improved service be given, especially from the district extending from Hamilton to Mercer. They wanted a train leaving Hamilton about 7 a.m., calling at all stations as far as Mercer, and then running as an express to Auckland. They also wanted an evening train so that people who came from Auckland could ! return the same day. The Minister was asked to speed up the train;, from Cambridge, Thames and Rotorua. Representatives from Ngaruawahia. Mercer, and Rotorua, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, and the.Commercial Travellers' Association, and Mr. R. F. Bollard, M.P., supported the request. Mr. Massey agreed ; that the time had come for an improved service for the i Waikato. In view of the growth _ of ! Hamilton and the surrounding districts, J there was no question that improvements | would have to bo made as far as the i railways were'concerned. J The information he had received that afternoon would be very useful to him and the new Minister for Railways, when Ihe was appointed. Mr. Guthrie would I not be able to resume the portfolio of i railways, and he (the speaker) did not • intend to retain it for long. Mr. Massey said it would be necessary to reinstate the seconds Main Trunk exI press, though not just yet, but if the i traffic continued to be as satisfactory as I it had been, the second express would be I put on. ,; ;. " , In any case, the Hamilton-Auckland I time-table would have to be revised and j he would recommend that it be revised. (Applause.) - . " ' .