KELBURN CABLE TRAMWAY

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 171, 16 April 1942, Page 8

KELBURN CABLE TRAMWAY

Proposed Purchase By City FURTHER INQUIRY TO BE MADE The Wellington City Council last night referred back to its tramways committee for further consideration the committee’s recommendation that no further action be taken regarding tr proposal for the acquisition of the Kelburne and Karori Cable Tramway Co. The mayor, Mr. Hislop, who moved the adoption of the committee's report, said it had been decided that, certainly at present, the council could not buy the tramway at any price that would be acceptable to the company. Cr. M. F. Luckie said that a figure of about £70,000 had been mentioned by the company. It had been made clear, however, that the company was not asking for that; it was merely an indication of the amount that had been put into the undertaking. It was intended to open negotiations for sale at a figure very much less and satisfactory to both parties. The undertaking occupied a key position in the tramways system, and when the council had an opportunity for the first time to buy at a satisfactory figure, it seemed short-sighted as well as discourteous to slam the door in the face of the company without meeting the directors.

The mayor said that the Kelburn and Karori tramway was becoming of less value every day. Cr. R. A. Wright said he was absolutely opposed to taking over the tramway. It could not be bought without a poll, and the ratepayers would never agree. Even Kelburn residents were not. unanimous.

Cr. J. D. Sievwright moved an amendment that a select committee of four should be appointed to consider the proposal. If the council had bought the undertaking at cost when it had the opportunity it would have saved a great deal of money, he said.

Cr. R. 11. Nimmo seconded the amendment. Expert investigation was required, he said. It seemed ridiculous to use petrol to take passengers to Kblburn if the cable car was capable of coping with the traffic. Cr. M. Fraser said that the council had delegated to the company its right to build the tramway undertaking, but now, by bus competition, had set out to destroy the business of the tramway so that it could have it for nothing. It was not fair business.

The mayor replied that it was legitimate competition. The council had not gone outside its powers. Cr. W. Appleton said that the council’s tramways management had advised against buying the cable car undertaking. Cr. R. L' Macalister said that many thousands of citizens were gravely concerned about transport and did not think the best was being done for them. The door should not. bo banged on the proposal till it was thoroughly investigated. Cr. L. McKenzie said lie understood that the cable ear could not cope with the traffic alone, so that the buses would have to be kept running in any case.

The amendment was lost by five votes to seven. A further amendment that the matter be referred back to the tramways committee was moved by Cr. B. Todd, seconded by Cr. W. Stevens, and carried.