WAIUKU BRANCH LINE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 759, 4 September 1929, Page 10

WAIUKU BRANCH LINE

GREATER SUPPORT NEEDED VALUE TO THE DISTRICT (Special to THE SUN) WAIUKU, Tuesday. Fears that the Waiuku branch railway will be closed unless it is given better support were expressed by a deputation from the Waiuku branch of the Farmers’ Union, which waited on the Waiuku Chamber of Commerce last evening. Mr. Harcombe stated that it was discreditable for anyone not to use the railway, as, by supporting the transport companies people were paying threefold. He appealed to tile Chamber of Commerce to give the railway its support by endeavouring to get the business people to patronise it. Mr. Harlcness pointed out the great benefits derived by the farmers from the railway in the carrying of heavy goods, such as manures. The Farmers’ Union had not ben idle in connection with the railway, and had already had three Ministers of the Crown visit the district The Minister of Lands had stated that nothing would be done toward discontinuing the railway at present, but he considered that, if the residents wished to keep it, they should show their appreciation by giving it their support. Mr. Chalmers, in welcoming the deputation mentioned that he had had considerable worry over the railway, firstly m assisting to get it, and secondly m endeavouring to keep it He considered that the railway should be brought more up-to-date, so as to cope with the requirements of the travelling public. Mi. Luthie stated that for the past tour years the chamber had been fighting for the railway. He considered that many of the farmers themselves were to blame for the present position of railways, as if any of the commodities required by them were a little cheaper tb er tlley mad e their purchases - D “ thie asked the deputation if the chamber supported a resolution that ail passengers travel, and goods be bi ought _m_ by the railway, would the farmers Union pass a similar resolution that the farmers -would support the local tradespeople. vm' darkness: Most of them do. witn'+n ak^ i: said the maln trouble Tnd A A Vay was the hi S h freights ancl the poor service. Mr. W. J. Staunton, the stationmaster at Waiuku, thanked the chamber and the Farmers’ Union tor the keen interest taken in the railway and mentioned the many benefits to U ’ Ho stated that to onfv t?° d ? over the line amounted heavv f™ A° nS a week ’ a P art from Pas=Lr- f r ghtS ’ such as fertilisers, iassengers averaged six a dav The The Skowed a loss of £IO,OOO last year. The amount paid by the railway in wasTnn ? fflcia ’ s residing in Waiuku was approximately £2,000 a year in a* reso!ved that a public meetb" = called C the rai '"' ay tltlestions should werrieft' £* Farmers’ and tlle