A VEXED QUESTION.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17076, 13 April 1927, Page 8

A VEXED QUESTION.

FRANKTON OR HAMILTON?

OPINION STILL DIVIDED. Opinion is still divided in connection with Ihe proposal to rhange the name of Frankton Junction railway station to better indicate, to travellers the closeness of Hamilton, and no finality was reached in a discussion which took place at the annual meeting of the Frankton Ratepayers and Citizens’ Association last night. After a number of suggestions had been made it was resolved to take steps to convene a special meeting to decide the issue.

The subject was introduced by Mr F Derrick, who said that in view of the feeling concerning ihe. matter he had an important resolution, and moved “that the railway station now called Frankton Junction ■ shall he called Hamilton.” The mover said that the area was already in Hamilton and he maintained it should he called Hamilton, and not Hamilton Junction. If any question arose in respect of the existing Hamilton station, then Frankton Junelion could bo called Hamilton West and the other station ho known as Hamilton Central.

Mr Rossi seconded the resolution

Mr W. Ilobhs said ! the question should "be considered very carefully. In his opinion there was no reason why Frankton station should not he called Hamilton Junction.

The question was a vital one, stated Mr J. I-larp. and ho was sure that, if the name was changed io that of Hamilton they would hit Victoria Street “with a very big stick.” Ho did not see what good could be done by an alteration in the name. What was necessary was merely to make, known the fact that the heart of Hamilton was in very close proximity. I-Ic hoped the name of Frankton Junction could be retained. It was thought by Mr. J. S. Anchor that the only objections raised to a change of name would he based on sentimental reasons.

In the opinion of Mr V. S. Harris the proposal seemed rather premature. Their principal object should be in the direction of striving for a suitable and central passenger station to serve the whole of Hamilton. That would involve the abolition of the present Hamilton station and much might be done if sufficient pressure was brought to bear from representative quarters. The closing of the Hamilton station would bo an immense benefit to the town, inasmuch as it would make available for business premises a large tract of land in the very centre of Hamilton. Furthermore, it would make for more rapid transport by eliminating a 10 minutes’ stop and minimising delay to Victoria Street traffic. Staying the Night.

Mr. Anchor directed attention to the undeniable fact that many of the travelling public wore misled through being unaware how close they were to the centre of Hamilton when they alighted at Frankton, where some had been known to stop the night with the intention of going on to Hamilton next morning, entirely owing to a misconception which existed concerning the distance into town. Mr. J. Bengley said that personally lie thought it would be an advantage to change the name, but they were taking much on themselves in deciding such an important matter. lie moved an amendment that the Mayor he approached to call a public meeting of ratepayers to consider the altering of the name of Frankton Junction. The amendment was seconded by Mr. J. Harp. Mr. C- Laffcrty said he did not think anything was to be gained at the present juncture by a change of name. People should make a united effort to build up the town rather than devote their attention to a change of Dame. He thought the matter should be left as it was for the present. “I don’t care twopence what the naipe is so long as the town progresses.” said Mr. A. J. Dcnz. Sentiment should not enter into the question, which should be considered from a business viewpoint. The wisest policy would be to carry the amendment and give all interested an opportunity of a voice in the matter. The amendment was carried, and the original motion withdrawn.