NORTHLAND TRAM STOP

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 31, 31 October 1929, Page 9

NORTHLAND TRAM STOP

METAL REMOVED FROM ROAD LITIGATION AVOIDED For the present the trouble at the tram stop by Russell’s Stores, Northland, over the proposal to erect a concrete wall in front of the stores, preliminary to building the curve of the road up to the height of the tram rails, is ended, so far as that particular business is concerned. There is every likelihood of the matter being taken up by the Ratepayers’ Association, with a view to reducing the level of the tramway and road right across. The proposal was to construct a concrete wall along the whole front of the stores, about 3ft. high, filling in behind and building up the road to conform with the sharp curve and the height of the tramway. The City Council workmen had already deposited metal to a depth of about 3ft. at the spot, rendering it impossible for the owner to use the front of his premises, Former customers, too, refused to run the risk of driving over the sloping bank to the bowser pump. The proprietor threatened legal proceedings if the wall was gone on with, whereupon operations were suspended. Latest Step. On Thursday of last week the owner of the stores wrote, through his legal adviser, to the City Council, calling upon them to remove the metal which had been deposited in front of his premises within a given time, failing which proceedings would be instituted for damages for loss of trade. On Saturday morning a gang of about 18 to 20 men and two or three lorries set to work loading up the metal, carting enough away to make it possible to grade the road from the tramway down to the old channelling in front of the stores. The work was pressed along at full speed, overtime being paid for Saturday afternoon work, and the task was completed about 6.30 p.m. the same day. Mr. Russell said he is satisfied with the present position, and though the outer edge of the curve slopes the wrong way. careful driving will obviate the danger. He will look to the City Council to reimburse him for the legal expenses incurred. . The matter of the tramway being now on the crown of the road, with a sharp falling away to the outer curve, is to be brought before the Ratepayers’ Association at the next meeting.