MINISTER'S TOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22464, 7 July 1936, Page 10

MINISTER'S TOUR

NORTHERN RAILWAYS INSPECTION OF CROSSINGS [BY TELECRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] KAIKOIIE, Monday A tour of tho railways of North Auckland, and an inspection of unfinished lines .in the district, was commenced to-dav by the Minister of Railways, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, and Mr. G. H. Mackley, general manager of railways. The trip to-day was made in the railcnr "Maahunui," from Auckland to Opua. The party travelled by launch to Paihia, and then by nintor-car to Kaikohe. The railcar left Auckland at 8.35 a.m. Stops were made at Henderson, Waitakere, Waimauku, Woodhill, Helensville, Kaukapakapa, Ahuroa, Kaipara Flats, Wellsford, Maungaturoto and Waiotira Junction. At each place there was a large crowd and at most of the stations the schoolchildren were waiting to see the railcar. The significance of the railcar was explained by the Minister as being symbolic of the great advance that had been made in transport since the days of the early discoveries, when canoes like "Maahunui" brought Polynesian explorers to these shores. Above all, ho urged that as kindness was "the greatest thing in the world," they should practise this virtue in order to bo ready to have tho full enjoyment of the new era upon which they were entering. In the course of his inspection Mr. Sullivan took the opportunity to examine various level-crossings, both public and private. He also discussed with deputations matters of local interest afFecting the railway facilities at the places visited. There was an enthusiastic gathering at Whangarei. The official party was welcomed by the Mayor, Mr. W. Jones, and Mr. G. Barclay, M.P. At Kamo and Hikurangi, deputations waited on the Minister. The visitors were entertained at Knwakawa by the local branch of tho Farmers' Union. Mr. H. M. Cookson, chairman of the Kawakawa Town Board, welcomed tho party. The visitors then travelled by road to Kaikohe, where they received several deputations.