THE WAIUKU RAILWAY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 5, 10 April 1912, Page 2

THE WAIUKU RAILWAY.

Mauku League Still Busy.

There was a fair number present — representative of Mauku, Patumahoe and Waiuku—at the meeting held at Patumahoe under the auspices of the Mauku branch of the Waiuku Railway League. The object of the meeting was to discuss means of promoting the construction of the railway line and urging on the Government the necessity of commencing the work at an early date. The attendance would doubtless have been much larger but for the impression that had got abroad that the meeting would be postponed owing to the illness and absence of the League's President. As a matter of fact the Chairman (Mr J. Henry) although not well kept his appointment and the meeting proceeded. On behalf of the President, the Secretary (Mr W. Finlay) read the following report: — " This meeting has been called in order that your int°rest may be sustained, and your efforts redoubled in urging upon the Government the construction of the branch Railway from Runciman to Waiuku, running through Patumahoe and Mauku. The majority present are familiar with the history of Parliamentary promises, and our own efforts relating to the construction of this line. However, for the information of outsiders whose sympathy and moral support we are anxious to enlist it may not be unfitting to give a short resume of the past history of this desirable undertaking. As you are aware over thirty years ago we were promised the railway by the Government of the day, and a detailed survey was made from the main line at Paerata through to Waiuku. (No doubt when, in the near future, the line comes to be constructed the altered conditions from thirty years ago will necessitate an alteration in the route.) Since then, various Governments and heads of Department, whose special sphere includes such construction, have admitted the desirability of building this branch, and have expressed as their opinion that the line would be a payable one from its inauguration. We seem, however, to have been rather unfortunate, for no sooner have we enlisted the interests of the proper authorities in the undertaking, than a change of officials has necessitated going over the same ground again. This was the case with the Hon. HallJones ; now, after years of importuning when the Hon. R. McKenzie as Minister of Public Works agrees that it is the first branch line to be authorised, he, owing to political exigencies resigns; the late Premier Sir J. G.. Ward, whom we believe we had made favourable to the project, also resigns, and we have new men to tackle. Some few months ago we considered our labours at an end, as we felt morally certain that bur representative, Mr W. F. Massey, was about to take charge of the Government, and as he h&s consistently urged the construction of this line (so consistently that amongst the members of the Government Party it is known as " Massey'a pet Railway") we felt confident that as soon as he got into his stride the railway would be started. For the time being such hopes have been disappointed but there is every probability that in the near future they may be renewed. I feel that it is incumbent on us as a league to keep pushing forward, and use every means of urging our claims upon whatever party is in power. Since this and the Waiuku League were started some six or seven years ago, considerable work has been put in by the two leagues working in union. The Premier and Minister for Public Works has been shown over the district and entertained, several deputations have been sent to the Parliament at Wellington, favourable editorial notices have been obtained in the press, and I understand that the Auckland Railway League has lately taken in hand to push our claims. You will see, therefore, that your League has been doing something to justify its existence, and your committee has no doubt that in the very near future this line we have been fighting for so long will be an accomplished fact, no matter which political party holds the reins of Government. The late action of the Government in railway construction supports this opinion. I would suggest that the meeting this evening pass a resolution' to be forwarded to the Premier, the Minister of Public Works and our representative Mr Massey, urging upon the Government the desirability of giving effect to the promise of the late Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. McKenzie, that the branch Railway from the main line at Runciman to Waiuku, passing through Patumahoe and Mauku, be included as the first branch line to be undertaken, on the first authorization bill that comes before Parliament."

After some discussion the following motion, proposed by Mr T. A. Kemp and seconded by Mr J. Goldsworthy, was unanimously carried:— "That the residents of this district in public meeting assembled, desire to urge upon the Minister for Public Works and the Government, the desirability and necessity of giving effect of the promise of the late Minister for Public Works to have this branch line of railway, known as the Waiuku branch line, placed upon the first Authorization Bill, and have

the work put in hand at the earliest possible date. The commercial utility of this line in aiding settlement, promoting production of food supplies by giving better access to the Auckland markets, and fulfilling promises of long standing to the settlers, is so well know to the general public and the Government of the Dominion that to enlarge upon these aspects in the resolution is unnecessary. The meeting is unanimous in requesting the support of members of Parliament, the Auckland Press and the general public in having this line proceeded with."

It was agreed to forward the resolution to the Prime Minister, Minister for Public Works, and Mr W. F. Massey, as suggested. Three surveys have been made of the route, the first one 32 years ago and the others 9 years afterwards. During the evening several new members were enrolled, and as the membership fee is only Is. every man and woman in the district should belong to the League. The Secretary explained that about £7 expenses had been incurred in sending a delegate to Wellington. A special vote of thanks was passed to Mr J. Henry for his attendance during the evening, considering the state of his health.