Western Access

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 287, 31 August 1931, Page 11

Western Access

Sir, —The executive of the Wellington Retail Traders’ Association considers the ratepayers of Wellington .should be grateful to the Ratepayers’ Association in its endeavour to lighten the burd.'li of ratepayers. It is to be commended in its endeavour to prevent the Mayor rod councillors from committing another unpardonable blunder'and on its determined stand against the proposed western access route. | The executive of the Wellington Retail Traders’ Association asserts that the Mayor and councillors have not, fully gauged public opinion, and are flouting those ratepayers who signed and lodged the petition required which was, as the Mayor states, “considerably more than the 5 per cent, necessary.” < The executive begs to advance the following reasons for its dissent to the proposal : (1) The executive expresses surprise at the determination of the Mayor and councillors to foist the western access on to ratepayers when the council is already aware that ratepayers are strongly opposed to the proposal. (2) The executive advocates the use of the present service until the depression is over.

(3) The executive insists that if Karon residents and those immediately benefiting desperately require the western access they should be willing to finance it by increased rates on their properties or by increased tram and bus fares. (4.) The executive states that Kareri is already .well catered for by three methods of transport, viz., (a) by tram via Tinakori Road, (b) by Kelburn car and bus. (c) by bus leaving Te Aro Post Office.

(5) The executive asserts that a new bus service via Sydney Street is unnecessary. It would not mean any' increase in revenue. Bus services in Wellington are already making a loss. (6) The executive asserts that a tram route via Sydney Street is unnecessary, as it would not open up any fresh area not already catered for. It would not therefore mean any increase in revenue. (7) The executive asserts that the proposed western access would mean an increase in the payment of interest without any gain in revenue, therefore the proposal is unsound financially. (8) The executive is-against any further commitments by the council during the depression.

• (9) The executive urges the Mayor and councillors to confine themselves strictly to economy in municipal undertakings—to a reduction in rates and ' electric lighting charges. These reductions would be beneficial to all. —We are, etc.. THE EXECUTIVE OF THE WELLINGTON RETAIL TRADERS’ ASSOCIATION. August 26.