GREATER WELLINGTON. TO THE EDITOR.

Evening Post, Volume LXIII, Issue 87, 12 April 1902, Page 7 (Supplement)

GREATER WELLINGTON. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — By invitation 1 attended a meeting at Island Buy last night culled (inter ul iii) for the purpose of discussing the above subject, ostensibly with a view to assisting the Melrose Couacil in arranging terms of amalgamation with the city. I had grave doubts us to the wisdom of holding the meeting, because I considered it would probably tend to retard rather than facilitate the negotiations which are now in progress. The r°.ault more than justified tbtvt opiniou. The outcome of the meeting wus the passing of a resolution which, if carried into effect, will, without doubt, prejudicially an'ect the desired object — tho extension of the tram to Inland Bay. If this were the only likely etfect the matter might bo allowed to take its course without objection, leaving tho result to descend on those responsible for producing it. But the Tcsulba are likely to hi moro farreaching ; tho effect will bo felh throughout the Boiough of Molrose. Now, without going further into tho matter, I say that it is desirable that tho negotiations in progress should bo brought to a head for submission to the ratepayers. Whether the result Will be considered satisfactory by them is n matter which is not of any momeut at Now, the effect of a \ resolution, such as that passed at Island Bay, must he*to counteract, if not pievent, the good which might otherwise be brought about. The reasons for the action tnkon aro thes&— The Wellington City Council had included Island Bay in its tram scheme, and tho scheme wus approved at the poll. Subsequently, however, a "poll was taken to consolidate several suparute loans — including the tram loan — and such poll was to have the effect of superseding tho previous polls, and the loans thereby authorised. The later poll wns taken on similar, but not identical, ptoposals, to those first voted on. It is stated that the Island Bay section was, or wns intended to be, eliminated. I have no knowledge on this point. The City Council may intend to extend the tram to

jttiand Bay-, or the contrary may be the fact. My object is to show what effect tho resolution will have in either event. If the original intention is to bo carried into cflßefc, the result must bo to delay or defeat that intention.. If it bo not intended to carry out that intention the result will be, not to force tiie Council to revort to it, but, on tho eontray, to render it difficult, if not impowible, to make arrangements for a t*am service to Island Bay, or to any other part of tho botough. I como now to considor the merits. Tho original poll authorised tram extension to Island Bay — which is beyond the city. There was no contract and no consideration for such proposed extension. Subsequently (assuming it to be a fact) the- City Council altered its scheme, and by a later poll the ratepayers confirmed euch alteration. That alteration does not meet with the approval of the people of Island Bay. Tho argument is that a breach of faith has been committed. In consequence they propose either that tho original scheme shall bo adhored to or that they take steps with a view to prevent the carrying out of the scheme in the City of Wellington. Now, what is the position of the parties who take up this attitude? If they are ratepayers of the city they are bound by tho poll. If they are" not, they are not entitled to a voice on the matterIn either event, therefore, tho resolution is ill-advised and can have no good effect. On the contrary, the results of attempting to carry it into effect may be disastrous. To endeavour to request the Governor to withhold his consent to tho construction of the city trams may bo a proceeding likely to facilitate tram extension to Island Bay, but I should consider it doubtful. I trust the deputation will see the gravo error which they are likely to commit and tlfafc they will pause before taking a step which can produce no good lesult, but which may do incalculable harm. On the ground that tho whole borough will be prejudiced, I respectfully enter my protest against the course proposed to be adopted. — I am, etc., ALBERT G. JORGENSEN. Kilbimie, 10th April.