LESS TRAFFIC BY RAIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20481, 5 February 1930, Page 9

LESS TRAFFIC BY RAIL.

I THE PURIRI DISTRICT STATUS OF STATION INVOLVED. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] THAMES. Tuesday. Owing to tho gradual decrease in revenue at tho Puriri Railway Station during tho past six months tho department considered tho business handled at tho station was not sufficient to warrant tlio retention of a tablet porter. As soon as the department's decision became known to the settlers of Puriri they got in touch with Mr. A. M.. Samuel, M.P., who interviewed the heads of the. department at Auckland. Tho result of tlio interview was that Mr. E. Casey, divisional superintendent of railways for tho North Island and Mr., A. W. Wellstead, commercial agent for tlio department, mot the settlers at Puriri yesterday to discuss the matter. Mr. Samuel, who introduced tho settlors to the officials, said that us primary, producers they were entitled to every consideration from tho department. Mr. E. ,T. Graham said tho settlors folt that tho tablet porter was of great assistance to them and they wero justified in asking that his services bo retained. In asking for his retention for at least another month Mr. Graham said tho settlers would then bo in a better position to placo bofore tho department tho prospects of increased business for tho coming year. Roplying, Mr. Casey said the department was endeavouring to give tho best service possible and at the samo time mako tho railways pay. In regard to tho Thames-Paeroa lino they had road and sea carriage to contend with. Tho bhtwai;' revenue fit, Puriri did not oxceod £720 a year, which was much below the amount' from unattendod stations elsowhoro and did not warrant a full-time ' man.

Mr. Casey pointed out that it was simply a businefis proposition and in view of tho figures given lie did not hold out much hope of the porter being retained. Howovor, ho agreed (o lot the matter stand over for another month so that the settlers could canvass tho district to induce settlors to send their goods by rail, Mr. Casey also agreed to consider tho erection of a holding yard at tho station to facilitate tho handling of cattle sent by rail.