THE TRAMWAYS BILL.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13609, 18 December 1909, Page 9

THE TRAMWAYS BILL.

CURTAILMENT OF LOCAL

POWERS.

A CENTRALISING MEASURE.

(special to "the press.")

WELLINGTON, December 17.

Although tho Tramways Act Amendment Bill which has been introduced by the Minister for Publio Works has been specially framed to meet the position that has arisen in connection with the Auckland Tramway brakes, it contains provisions of a general nature which seriously affect the existing powers of all local authorities in regard to the control of tramways. The Bill, like that introduced by the Government two years ago, proposes to materially curtail the powers of the local authorities by giving to the Government increased powers in regard to the tramway systems. The bodies that are chiefly affected, of course, ere the Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch snd Dunedin City Councils. In all the cities except Auckland tho tramways are owned by the municipalities, but the powers of these bodies, as well as those of the Auckland City Council, will be materially clipped' by this centralising measure. Under the existing Tramways Act, the promoters of a tramway, including local authorities, are given power to regulate the number of passengers that may be carried on each tram car, and also for regulating tho speed and the distances at which one car may follow another. The new Bill, however, proposes to take away this power, as defined under Deeds of Delegations and Orders in Council, and to transfer it to the Government. Tho local by-laws are to remain in force only until the Government regulations in regard to the matters specified are brought into force. "There will soon be nothing left for us to do with our tramways but to collect the fares," is the comment that was passed upon the Bill by a member of the Wellington City Council in conversation with your representative this evening. The Wellington City Council is arranging for a deputation to wait on the Minister for Public Works on Monday morning for the purnose of placing the views of the local authorities before him. The Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin City Councils have been communicated with in regard to joining in the deputation, or being represented thereat. It is Te ry unlikely that the Bill will pass in its j present fcrm. . ■ ■ |