TRAMWAY BOARD.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17225, 16 August 1921, Page 5

TRAMWAY BOARD.

OBDINABY MEETING. The Chiietchurch Tramways Board met yesterday. Present—Mr S. A. Staples (chairman), Hon.' J. Barr, and Messrs T. H. Davey, D. Sykea, W. J. "Walter, A. S.. Taylor, G. T. Booth, H. Pearoe, and J. Wood. The general manager, in his report to the Works and Traffic Committee, in setting out the traffic returns for the-.four weeks ended June sth, stated that Kiccarton showed a decrease in passengers of 6J per cent., aS compared with the previous year; St. Martin's a decrease of 5 per cent. These decreases were more than counter-balanced by increases In- other lines, the highest being North Beaoh 13 per cent., the net result for all lines being an increase of 7 per cent. The passenger figures were reflected in the financial returns, the Highest being .New Brighton, with 20 per cent., the lowest being Biccarton, with a decrease of 19 per cent., and the net result being an increase of nearly 6 per cent. The Prince of Wales's visit took place in the preceding year, and', ftic- . carton's position was explained by the fact thai a special race meeting was held at that time. ' The • traffic returns fox the period between June 6th to July 3rd 6howed a falling off in traffic this year as compared with the month immediately preceding. The revenue account for the first quarter of the current financial year showed a deficiency of £2066, as compared 'with a surplus for the corresponding, period last year of £2028, a fall back of £4089. Nearly £2160" of this was due to the fact that last year had an Easter and the Prince's visit. This- year's period was one day leas than last year, representing about £lßu in theTiet results. There had been an increase in earnings of £4203, but an increase in' operating expenses of £6661. ; The standing charges were up £1743, owing to new capital expenditure —new officea, cars, etc., coming into use. The redaction'in power costs this year was due to the big supply of current generated and sold to the Government last . year. The biggest increase in the repairs ; and maintenance section was in permanent j way—■ There was an increase of £448 I in. electrio car maintenance, and an increase of £B2l in repairs of locoa, road rollers, busses, etc. The total operating.:- expenses • for the quarter were £13,683, as compared witn I £11,520 last year. There was some discussion, as-to whether the report should be adopted, some' members contending that it; should not be adopted, and made public, before it had been before the Works and Traihc Committee; Finally it was decided to adopt tne report, ana allow the figures to be made public, but fc> hold over anything in the nature of comment or recommendation ,/by. the manager until the report had been before the committee. j A letter was received from the town clerk, I Sumner, stating that the construction of the ' shelter shed was tobo commenced at ooce.