TE AWAMUTU STATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20536, 10 April 1930, Page 12

TE AWAMUTU STATION.

MINISTER STANDS FIRM,

LOCAL DISSATISFACTION

'BT TELEGRAPH. —OWN' CORRESPONDENT.] TE AWAMUTU, Wednesday.

Intimation was received at the last meeting of the To Awamutu Chamber of Commorco from tho Minister of Railways, the Hon. W. B. Tavernor, that although it was originally proposed to carry out an oxtensive programme of improving grados between Frankton and Te Kuiti, which would have involved tho erection of new stations en route, it had been found that such a largo undertaking was not justified nt tho present time. In the circumstances he could not alter tho decision not to build a new station.

Comment was made by members that if railways administration was removed from political influence there would not bo tho changes of policy so noticeable in rocent years. Tho now station was regarded as an urgent work in 1022, and again in 1925, but now tho old building, part of which was erected over 50 years ngo, was regarded as adequate, notwithstanding the fact that railway business had very greatly increased. The stationmastcr, Mr. R. Laurie, explained that tho now schcmo involved reconstructing tho yards to provide a great deal more accommodation for shunting, unloading and passing trains. Tho stockloading pons would bo shifted and enlarged and a level crossing eliminated. Tho chamber decided to placo the facts before the Prime Minister, and to emphasise the inadequacy of tho present station building.