CHRISTCHURCH TRAMWAYS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17409, 21 March 1922, Page 4

CHRISTCHURCH TRAMWAYS.

MEETING OF BOARD. The Cbristchurch Tramway Board met yesterday. Present: Mr S. A. Staples (chairman), and Messrs W. J"Walter, J. W. Beanland, H. Pearce, A. S. Taylor, J. A. Flesher, D. Sykes, and the Hon. J. Barr. «.

Works and Traffic Committee. The Works and Traffic Committee reporting on the Lawson street stop, stated that the committee had considered a petition from a number ot people in Sydenham, asking that the stop at lawson street should be restored. The change was made by the Board to reduce the risk of accident, and at the same time to cut out one stop, the stops being somewhat close together. The committee had received several communications to the effect that the change was a very desirable one It had also received a voluntary communication from the Tramway Union, stating that, in its opinion, the change would make for the greater safety of the public and of motormen. The committee bad decided that the present stop should remain for at least three months for further trial. The report was adopted.

Revenue Account. The revenue account for the four week 3 ended February 12th, J922, was "reported to be as.follows, the figures for the similar period last year also being given r— _ & Four Four / weeks, weeks, 1922. 1921. £ £ Earnings from operation 23,213 20,938 Operating expenses ... lo.OJy l*,ivo

Net earnings from operation • 8,174 6,740 Interest and Sinking o Fund ... .- 2,512 2,884 Depreciation and re- . newals .- 2,614 2,467 Fire and Public Accident Reserve ... 348 314

5,374 5,165

Surplus 2,800 _ 1,580 The greatest increases were m the following routes: CranfordJSpreydon, 11.3 per cent.; North Beach, 10.5, per cent.; St. Martins, 10 per. cent.; and the Hornby bus. The report was adopted.

Correspondence. A letter was received from the Christchurcb City Council, asking that a, sub-committee should meet a subcommittee from the Council, to go into the question of a new lay-out in Cathedral square. Mr Sykes said that he thought the conference would be a' -1 waste of time. The proposed lay-out would certainly be an expensive undertaking, involving thousands of pounds. It was decided that the chairman and-Messrs Sykes, Taylor, and Beanland should be the Board's representatives at the conference. An application from the Papanui Memorial Hall Carnival Committee for the use of a section at Papanui, was referred to the Wor,ks and Traffic Committee. •.',,' \-, .■ A letter was received from the secretary of the Addington Burgesses' Association, asking that the Board should alter the sign "Lincoln road" on the cars to "Addington." The -General Manager stated that the Board had recently expended the' sum of £350.00 new destination signs, '\ It was decided that the suggested alteration could not be made.. It was also resolved to leave the destination " Addington" in the time-tables. With reference to » letter from the City Council asking; that the.; Board should appoint a representative to th© Council's Traffic Committee, it was.decided to Write suggesting that the Board should be allowed two representatives.

Buxton's Corner. Tho Waimairi Council wrote stating that they would consent to a short cut road to Buxton's in the Shirley district provided the Board would maintain the road for a period of two years. The chairman thought that the Waimairi Council had taken up an untenable attitude. \ _ . The Hon. J. Barr Baid that it should be pointed out that tho proposal would mean a shortening in the road of about three chains, which was a big consideration where future, maintenance was conceraed. It would also enhance .the value of that locality. He moved that tbe matter be referred back to the 1 Waimairi County. Council for further consideration. The motion wa£ carried.

Miscellaneous. A request was received from the Canterbury Automobile Association asking that the base of tramway poles* near the Canal Reserve and the BUsn Inn should be painted white to obviate the danger of collisions. It was decided to carry out the work.

Metropolitan Trotting Grounds Tronic.

Mr A. S. Taylor brought up question, of the Board moving in the matter of improving traffic conditions in connexion with the Metropolitan Trotting Club's Meeting. He hoped that the matter would not be left over until the eve of the next trotting meeting, as the state of ; affairs on the occasion of the last meeting was simply scandalous. —, The question was left in the hands nof the special committee,. which had been set up to deal with the matter. Accounts, as presented, amounting to £58,847 6s lid, were passed for payment, the amounts including loan interest account £13,925 19s 3d, and depreciation fund commissioners £21,647 3s lid.