THE TRAMWAYS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 451, 9 March 1909, Page 5

THE TRAMWAYS.

WADESTOWN AND MARANUI LINES. STATEMENT BY THE MAYOR. Questioned by a Dominion representative yesterday, Hie Mayor (the Hon. T. W. Hislop) made a statement concerning the difficulties confronting the counoil in the construction of tho Wadestown and Maranui tram lines. In reference to the Wadestown tramway, Mr. Hisiop bum tnat tne worJc ot surveying in detail was proceeding. Only a sketch survey uuu oec<n made previously, but now working plans had to bo prepared. Asked about the technical point referred to in Saturday's Dominion, when it was stated that there was a suggestion that the poll to raise a loan might bo upset, the Mayor replied that it had not been taken into consideration by the council. •• The money authorised, £10,100, he thought, woiitu certainly not do raised locally —ai present anyhow. The council ivuiild have to consider the best tiuu) and place. As a niattoi of fact, the council was awaiting advice from their bankers upon the question. Concerning the hitch that has arisen in connection, with the Maranui tram line, half a mile only from Kilbirnie to Lyell Bay, the Mayor said that it had not been finally fixed up yet. "1 don't suppose," ho continued, "that the council will be too eager to run into eipenso at the present time, because it would have to be done out of earnings. The absolutely necessary works, such as extra power at the power-houso and building for offices, etc., will about tako up tho accumulated profits and sinking fund, and in the absence of the special power to borrow, it will be necessary to postpone as many as possible of the contemplated works for some time. Under the agreement we are only bound to commence the lino in October next, and it may be that the now council will think it prudent to hold over its commencement until then, but that will bo a matter for them to consider when they see a full year's working and.what means will be available."