UPPER HUTT MATTERS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4629, 7 April 1902, Page 6

UPPER HUTT MATTERS.

A deputation of Hutt residents, introduced by Mr W. H. Field, M.H.R., interviewed Sir J. G. M ard on Saturday in relation to various matters affecting the district. Mr George Brown asked that the 5.20 train from Wellington to the Lower Hutt should run as far as the Upper Hutt. Such a change would, he urged, mean that many more people would go to live at the Upper Hutt, and the train would very soon pay its extra cost. , , ~ . Mr Field pointed out that the residents merely wished that the 6.20 p.m. train should run t 9 the Upper Hutt instead of the 4.30 train, which did not suit business people. Ho did not see that any additional expense would be involved, as no new train was asked for. .. . , Mr Finn and others having also spoken, Sir, J. G. Ward promised the deputation ithat ho would investigate this matter. Ho was glad ahvays to put on trains for the convenience of people whereve’ - this could bo done; and was always willing oven to take a certain amount of risk to run a train to any place where there was a reasonable prospect of traffic. But they must take care that in altering the trains they did not cause fresh inconvenience to people who wore suited by the existing system. The milk who used the present trains to the Upper Hutt had to bo considered; and he believed that to grant what the deputation asked for would mean a fresh service altogether. However, he promised that he would look into the matter, and, if possible, grant the request of the deputation. The Minister was also asked to rearrange the trains from Mungaroa, so as to give the milk-suppliers in that district an extra hour and . a quarter each evening.' At present the train is delayed for an hour and a quarter on thb way to Wellington after leaving Mungaroa, and it was suggested that the mail train should stop to take up the milk. The Minister said that it was impossible to stop the mail train. There were similar requests from forty other places along the line, and they had all had to be refused. He promised to see. however, whether some satisfactory arrangement could not be*made. The deputation asked for a telephone to the Upper Hutt, and on Mr Brown’s assuring the Minister that the guarantees had been signed. Sir J. G. Ward said that the work would be proceeded with.