TRAM EXTENSION.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 185, 7 August 1930, Page 7

TRAM EXTENSION.

MT. ALBERT-AVONDALE LINK.

LOAN PROPOSAL CARRIED.

ONLY 10 PER CENT VOTED,

Although only a small percentage of ratepayers exercised their franchise, the Auckland Transport Board's Avondale tramway extension proposals were carried yesterday by a substantial margin. Votes recorded in favour of the scheme numbered 3825, and those against 1544. Thus, 72 per cent of the votes cast supported the proposal, giving a margin of CO6 votes in excess of the three-fifths majority required. The success of the poll means that a start will be made with the extension of the tramlines from Mount Albert terminus to Avondale early next year. The estimated cost of the work is £58,400. With the exception of Ellerslie every district voted in favour of the proposal. Avondale, which will benefit most by the extension, supported the loan by an overwhelming majority, 674 votes being recorded for and only 124 against. Voting in the various districts was as follow: — , . . „ For the Against the proposal. proposal. City 2094 D 45 Mount Eden .. 234 9.J Mount Albert... 702 I.>J> One Tree Hill .. 153 47 Mount Roskill . 415 IS3 Oneliunga .... 134 5Newmarket ... 52 3G Panmure ..... 4 1 Mount Wellington 11 1 Ellerslie 2G 28 Totals 3525 1544 The poll revealed the usual lack of interest taken by ratepayers in respect to loan issues. There were 50,265 persons entitled to vote, and of that number 5400, or only 10 per cent, exercised their privilege. Work to Start in New Year. Gratification at the success of the poll was expressed this morning by the chairman of the Transport Board, Mr. J. A. C. Allum. He said that materials would be ordered in time to put the work in hand early in the New Year. It was hoped to complete the Mount Eden tramway extension as far as Landscape Road, and also the Richmond Road extension, early in the New' Year. In the meantime th« Edendale extension, and. also the extenjsion of the Mount Eden line along the ! Three Kings Road to Mount Albert Road [made possible by the carrying of the | Mount Roskill Road Board's proposal l for the concreting of the Three Kings Road, would probably be started in October. This would leave the Garnet Road extension, planned by the board recently, and the Mount Albert-Avon a 9 extension for the early part J to ' When all these works were the board's' programme of . J would be complete.