THE TRAMWAY DIFFICULTY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 80, 2 April 1908, Page 2

THE TRAMWAY DIFFICULTY.

LOCAL BODIES' CONFERENCE. A conference of local bodies to discuss the tramway difficulty was held last evening, when there were present: Messrs. John Rowe (chairman), Morton, Pardington, Glanfield, and Skinner (Onehunga Borough Council), and E. W. Burton (One-tree Hill Road Board). An apology was received.from Mr. C. Bagley (chairman of the Mt. ReSskill Road Board) for non-attendance owing to illness. Mr. Rowe read a letter from the manager of the tramway company explaining the recent irregularities, which, were due to the breaking down of the boiler plant. Mr; Burton said the letter practically admitted the whole of the charges. He thought the first step they should take was to ascertain the true position regarding the state of the machinery, and he understood from Mr. Walklate that an independent engineer would be allowed to inspect the works. He would strongly press the question of the inefficiency of the rolling stock. In Sydney they had 98G cars, which, compared with our population, should give us 100 cars, but we had only S2. During a recent visit to Sydney, he never saw a stickup, and there must be something radically wrong with our system. Mr. Rowe said that he was assured that the company were working night and day to get the new boilers ready, and that there would be no grounds for complaint within two or three weeks. Mr. Burton: Are you quite certain that these are in addition or only to replace the old ones. Mr. Rowe; Well, we can only find that out by carrying out your suggestion. Mr. Glanfield: The whole service is bad, and is practically run by the men. ■ Mr. Pardington: Is there any truth in the rumour that the company were using sawdust and chips for fuel? Mr. Rowe said he had made numerous inquiries, and had found out that there was no truth in the rumour. There was something in what Mr. Glanfield said that some of. the men were trying to run the service. He had occasion to complain to the company recently about the charging of extra faxes to workmen, and the management had informed him. that it had been done absolutely without authority by a servant who had caused trouble on several occasions. After further discussion Mr. Burton moved, and Mr. Pardington seconded, "That the Mayor of Onehunga be authorised to employ Mr. H. H. JMetcalfe, C.E., and other such engineering experts as he may Jconsider expedient for the purpose of ascertaining (1) The state of the rolling stock of the A. K. T. C, and more particularly what proportion (if any) of such rolling Stock is out of date; (b) inefficient in repair or in disrepair; (2) The state and condition of the power supplied at the power-house for the driving of. the trams, and more particularly •what provision, if any, is being made to meet the increasing traffic, and the demands and requirements of new lines; (3) What,- after a due comparison Nvitli other colonial cities, and particularly, after a due comparison with Sydney 3 would be a sufficient car provision for the population of Auckland and suburbs; (4) The cost to bo apportioned amongst the local bodies comprising the conference, namely -i —Onehunga, Mt. Roskill. Epsom, and One-tree Hill. This was carried unanimously. Mr. Rowe then moved that three members of each local body be appointed delegates to form a conference to discuss tram and drainage questions. Mr. Morton seconded, and it was carried unanimously.