AUCKLAND TRAMWAY COMPANY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 259, 8 November 1897, Page 2

AUCKLAND TRAMWAY COMPANY.

The Auckland Tramway Company, in view of the summer season, are having new tram cars built and the whole of their old trams and 'buses overhauled and re-painted, and other improvements made at their depots at Ponsonby, Epsom, and Onehunga. On the Ponsonby line a shorter time-table came into force, to-day, Monday. In all there will now be 86 return trips daily from Queenstreet to Ponsonby, and in compiling the time-table special attention lias been paid to the wants of workmen, business men, and ladies, so that they may be landed at their various avenues of employment at an exact time which suits them. The wants of those who travel on the Epsom and Onehunga lines have not been forgotten, and they also have extra trips added to the present time-table. In order to meet the extra traffic the stables at Ponsonby have been re-inforced with a large number of fine strong horses from Waikato and Sydney. Increased accommodation has been provided for these equines, and the American innovation of a smug bar between each horse has been introduced into the new stable. By not being cooped up in a stall, it is claimed that the horse rests better, and he is less liable to meet with accident. Three new summer cars have been built at the Ponsonby carriage works. They are constructed on the American principle, and are fitted with what is known as the reversible "perfect lazy back seats," and also with large spring side blinds. Due regard has been paid to ventilation and the matterof gainingeasy access to thecars. In due course it is intended to alter the old summer cars and fib them up in the new design. The Company have made a number of alterations and additions to the stables recently occupied by Mr Tanner at Onehunga. Accommodation is provided for 80 horses, besides giving space for traps, brakes, etc., which are hired out to picnic parties and others. Buildings opposite the stables have also been secured for the business of the Company, so it will be seen the residents of Onehunga and Mangere and surrounding districts are to be well looked after. The Ponsonby stables just now tenant 135 horses, at Epsom there are 100, and at Onehunga 80. All of the animals are in splendid health, and they bear evidence that they are well looked after. At Epsom arrangements are in progress for the Agricultural Show, and it is unnecessary to say the staff there are having a busy time. Various 'buses and brakes have also been renovated and re-built. Among the most attractive are the Wakatere (to be put on the College Hill route), Waimarie and Moana. The two first-named have been re-built byMessrs Cousins and Cousins. Altogether the whole of the Tramway Company plant is in splendid order to commence the summer season, and the whole reflects credit on Mr J. S. Kidd, the popular and up to date business manager of the Company. It is evident that he will not be behind the times.

In conversation with a " Star" reporter as to an electrical equipment for Auckland, Mr Kidd stated that lie was confident it would be tlie greatest boon that could come to the citizens, and he hoped with the aid of the City Council to see electric trams running in our city at an early date. The running of the system would mean that residents of Onehunga, for instance, would reach town in half an hour, and residents in suburbs in equally fast time. It would also increase the value of property considerably.