BURKES AND ST. LEONARDS STATIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13079, 15 September 1904, Page 8

BURKES AND ST. LEONARDS STATIONS.

TO THE EDITOR, Sin,—With reference to the remarks mad# by Mr Cray (the Mayor of West Harbour) which appeared in your paper of the Bth inst., anything he or I have to say will not aitev tliJ position, but, being an old resident, I wish to state <i few facts which may bo of interest to those concerned. In 1877 Burkes Brewery Township was offered for gale, and several sections were disposed of. Tho station was at Burkes somo timo boforo the township was offered for sale—not as Mr Cray stated, that the ground was sold at prices obtained bocause a station was to bo placed there. At that timo the place was quito lively, with, a fair number o£ houses, and tho brewery in full swing. Over 20 years ago tho brewery was burnt down, and that seemed to have changed tho whole aspect of tho placc—so much so, that many of tho sections reverted to their former owners, several of tho purchasers forfeiting their deposits, and in somo instances instalments as well. Only three of tho original purchasers hung on ' to their sections and erected houses. This township, like many others, was only a township by name, and looked all right on paper at that time, when the land boom was 011. Mr Cray says that houses aro being built, and there is plenty room for more. I quito agree with Mr Cray—there is plenty room for more. l'hero is, however, only one house in courso of oroction—not houses. It may bo information for Mr Cray that over 20 years' ago there wore 10 -houses and tho brewery in existence; at tho day tlwro aro only 11. This sneaks for tho progress of tho township, That is a glorious result with a station at its front door. Mr Cray says it would not lis wiso for the department to follow settlement: it should wait and see where the station should bo plaoed. I would have no doubt of tho final result if tho department waited another 27 years. Mr Dray appears to have great sympathy with residents north of St. Leonards. It may bo of interest to him to know that several of these residents signed a petition two years ago for a new up-to-date station between the two present ones. Two of theso residents (councillors) voted against tho new station at tho last meeting of tho council. It appears to be a case of follow- tho leader.

Referring aguin to Mr Cray's remarks, ho is afraid that if a now station was eroded tho trains would not stop at the flag stations. Doe 3ho mean that thore would bo 110 one to pick up?—l am, etc., September 12. M. O'D.