TRAMWAYS BOARD. YESTERDAY'S MEETING.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 169, 22 August 1914, Page 13

TRAMWAYS BOARD.

YESTERDAY'S MEETING.

The meeting 6f the Tramway Board yesterday was attended by Messrs J. A. Flesher (chairman), C. M. Gray, D. Sykes, G. T. Booth, A. W. Beaven, H. Pearee, and the Hon. J. Barr.

The Works and Traffic Committee re ported as follows: —

Sale of Current. —The committee had decided to allow a discount of 25 per cent, off its retail light rates, as the tramways voltage necessitates each customer installing a motor generator, the losses in which amount to about 25 per cent. No reduction will be made in power rates which are half the "light''' rates.

Siding, at .Canterbury .Park. —The grounds of the Canterbury Pari; Trotting Club at Soekbnrn are situated about 28 chains from the existing track. The committee recommend that a siding be constructed from the present line to the park gates. The board received 8d more than the ordinary fares from passengers to trotting meetings, and this increase, in addition to the heavier traffic experienced recently, justified the expenditure. The traffic, was very profitable to the board. The new track would have a balloon loop at its terminus, enabling traffic to be handled without blocking the regular service line, which is the case at present. The estimated cost is £2BOO. This is for a 901b rail, but a lighter and cheaper rail will be obtained. Tramway Employees Volunteering for Service with Expeditionary Force. —Four of the board's employees had been accepted by the authorities controlling the Expeditionary War Force. In two eases their war pay would be less than that formerly paid them by the board. The committee had arranged to "pay these two men the difference between ordinary pay and war pay, the contribution by the board being less than half the men's ordinary wages. Each case in future will be treated on its merits, the committee being of the opinion that the enrolment of married men should not be encouraged at this stage, unless they possess special qualifications. Employees going with any Expeditionary Force, with the approval of the board, will, so far as status in the service is concerned, be treated as if on leave, and on their return will be reinstated Avithout loss or status.

The report was adopted. Some routine business Avas transacted, and the board rose.