THE TRAMWAYS.

Evening Post, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 4 November 1904, Page 4

THE TRAMWAYS.

ISLAND BAY EXTENSION, In answer to questions asked at tn9 meeting of the City Council last evening, the Mayor stated that the tramway extension via Thorndon-quay from the Government railway station to the Manawatu company's station was now clear, as far as the raising of wires was concerned, down to Davis-street. In reply to Councillor Godber, the Mayor stated that the Tinakori-road section had been traversed by a car as far as Hill-street. The inspection would probably be modern Saturday. Councillor Devine thought that as tho Council had subsidised the 'bus service between the tram terminus and laland Bay, it should equally subsidise the services to BrookljTi and Kilbtrnie. The Mayor stated that the position waa nob the same at those two places as at Island Bay. An Island Bay service wad running — which was not the case at the other places — and the owner decided to withdraw his 'buses. The Council had, to do something. Asked if the arrangement at Island Bay was temporary, tha Mayor was understood to reply that it was. A Councillor: Till the trams art running. Councillor Devine insisted that to run the connecting service till the extended tramways started was not a temporary arrangement. Councillor M'Laren asked if the Council would supply a fortnightly return of receipts and expenditure on the tramways? The Mayor replied that^it might be done monthly.' The Council decided in committee to take the necessary steps to secure tha Order-in-Council for the Island Bay extension, that being the most forward ol the proposed Melrose extensions. The Tramways Committee recommend" ed : That fourteen tons of heavy rails ba purchased from Messrs. Macartnej, M'El. loy, and Co., at-£7 0s 3d per ton; thai six new cars, as shown in photograph numbered 149, and three as shown in photograph 164, be ordered ; that the following materials be procured : Rail-bend-er for heavy sections (£10), two relief valves for boiler feed range, portable motor air compressor (estimated cost * £94), fittings for overhead equipment, regeherative controller (estimated cost £100 ; that accounts amounting to £905 9s 8d be passed for payment. (Tha six cars mentioned in the report are to be cross-seated cars, the three ar« to be double-deckers, which cost more. In each case the car runs on single truck) Councillor Evans asked whether the combinatio^ car (bogey) would not be more economical than double deckers in avoiding friction in going round curves. (There is one combination car now running, anS several others on hand.) The Electrical Engineer (Mr. W. R. Wright) stated thab the Public Works Department took exception to combination cars on our cufres — objected to their length. The bogey cai easily went off the line at curves, and was hard to get on again. Referring to the order for cars, Councillor Godber thought we could get the cars made aa cheap and well in the colony as abroad. Councillor Barber thought that, in viewof the urgent conditions of traffic, and what future extensions would require, we had better order' cars at Home sooner than wait for New Zealand firms. He was not decrying New Zealand industry, but our timber could not be utilised at shorb notice, and our makers would hare to utilise light American timber. There would be future requirement* for local makers. Councillor Godber declared that one New .Zealand firm couJd produce its first car in two months, and thereafter at the rate of one car a month. Councillor Luke thought the delays of executing orders at Home, and the delays of shipping, would be equal to any delay on the part of colonial, manufacturers. Ha was satisfied the delay was not with the colonial maker, but with the Council in giving the orders. Building of railway cars, which the Manawatu Company carried out, was quite as difficult. Tha report waa adopted. The effect of the adoption of the recommendation that the cars be ordered is that the Committee will obtain particulars and prices, for cars made in the colony as well as cars made outside, and will report to the Council. Tho rails purchased by the Council were sent) by mistake to New Zealand by Macartney, M'Elroy, and Co., and, therefore, the Council has been able to buy them at a favourable price. The Council decided last evening, on the Tramways Committee's recommendation, not to grant the Education Board's application for a free pass for the Board's truant officer. The Mayor pointed out that the Council must stand finnbj against free passes.