PUKERUA MATTERS

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11651, 16 October 1923, Page 3

PUKERUA MATTERS

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER. ROAD AND RAILWAY IMPROVEMENTS DESIREDA deputation of Pukerua settlers, introduced hy Mr W. H Field, M.P., waited Upon the Hon. J. G. Coatee (PostmasterGeneral and Minister for Railways and Public Works) yesterday afternoon with regard to a number of local matters. Ono of the most important points, stated Mr Field, was the need for a road and footpath giving a number of the residents, at present cut off by the Tailway line from tho beach ana tho railway station, access to the same. Tho settlers wanted a road so far, and & track for the rest of tho digtanoo, to the beach. Ninoty per cent of the residents were in favour of the road and track, which were estimated to cost some .8600. The Minister said that he would discuss the matter with the district engineer end let Mr Field know the result Mr Field added that the residents wished both the railway station rnd the post office to bear the name Pukerua Bay, the station at the present time being "Pukerua” only. A petition was also coming forward, he stated, for the extension of the Sunday hours for the trains. The settlors wanted the morning train to leave at. 9, instead of 9.30, for Otaki; pnd the return train from Otaki to leave at 5.30, instead of 4.30 p.m. They asked, too, that tho station building should be extended, so as to provide waiting-room accommodation for women and children. Mr Gray, a member of the deputation, said that the settlers desired, in addition, the extension of the week-end fares From Friday, instead of Saturday, so as to enable women and children to come out on Friday night in place of having to leave on Saturday, thus giving them a 21 days w^ek-end.

The Minister replied that he would go carefully into all the matters retired to, and let Miem know his decision later.