OWAKA TEAIS SERVICE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2661, 15 March 1905, Page 13

OWAKA TEAIS SERVICE.

The Hon. T. Fergus and Mr Lethbridge waited upon Sir Joseph Ward on the 7tli inst. in reference U> a rearrangement of the train service to Owaka, the object of the rearrangement being to allow purerlasera of stock longer time at Owaka on sale days. The Hon. Mr Fergus said the matte-" they had waited upon tho Minister concerning was a petition from a number of farmers at Owaka. They Lad not known when Sir Joseph would be in Dunedin, and had entrusted Mr Lethbridge and himself witn t"he petition, which was that an alteration might be made in the running ol th© trains between Owaka and Balclutha. The formers thought if they could get a greater number of buyers at the sal«s at Owaka it would be beneficial to them, th© present trouble being that people could not get to and from Dunedin the snme day and do their business. Under the present conditions it involved two clays. It was Thursday's train they were particularly anxious about, and if there was a little more time at Owata and people could leave later it would enable stockmen to do more business. Buyers of stock would not go down there and spend a couple of days to get a few bead of cattle.

Sir Joseph Ward said he would look into the matter, and if he could meet the require-ments-he would be pleased to do co. Mr Lethbridge said the new time-table did not alter the position to any appreciable extent.

The Minister repeated that he would look into the matter, and if it was possible to meet the petitioners he would be glad to do so. These things sometimes necessitated a number of alterations that oould not be foreseen. He had asked Mr Grant to see him about the matter that afternoon.

The Hon. Mr Fergus said what was wanted was more time at Owaka. The farmers there did not get full value for their stock by reason of not getting buyers there, and they felt they were at a little disadvantage. Sir Joseph «aid the matter would be looked into, and Mr Grant, who had meantime oome into the room, would let the deputation know the result in a day or two.