ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 293, 11 December 1929, Page 14

ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

TRAMS IN QUEEN STREET.

TRANSPORT BOARD'S DECISION,

After hearing a deputation from business people the Transport Board decided yesterday that tramcars shall run in Queen Street on Christmas Eve. Sir George Fowlds said that as a result of the stopping of tramcars in Queen Street on Christmas Eve during the last few years the receipts of business firms had noticeably decreased. It was regarded as unfair that traffic should be restricted by the exclusion of trams, especially as Queen Street firms contributed extensively in the matter of rates and rentals. They had no objection to the stopping of motor car traffic. Mr. T. Clark submitted that tramcars provided .as safe a method of travelling as any other means, and that no actual danger existed from running the cars on Christmas Eve. At the request of the chairman, Mr. J. A. C. Alluni, the general manager, Mr. A. E. Ford, made a statement. He said that in 1922, 1923 and 1924 thty ran the trams In Queen Street on Christmas Eye without the slightest difficulty. Traffic was facilitated and there were no accidents. He was distinctly in favour of running as suggested. ,The chairman moved that the request be acceded to. Mr. G. Ashley: You must bear in mind that the trams are asking for a monopoly on that night. The chairman pointed out that the question as to whether motor cars should be allowed; to run was for the City Council to decide. : Mr. E. J. Phelan said he would oppose the running of any traffic in Queen Street on Christmas Eve. The resolution was carried with one dissentient, •.