THOSE 'PALACES." THE MAYOR'S OPINION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 34, 10 February 1908, Page 8

THOSE 'PALACES." THE MAYOR'S OPINION.

Correspondents are again complaining about the "palace-car,"' and wondering whether the "higb-stsppers" will be for ever a danger to shins. The nimble can climb over the step without risking su trip to the hospital, or the morgue, but elderly mch and women whose limbs are not as lithe as they were in other days, shudder at the obstacle which stands between thorn and a penny ride. It is stated that they prefer to await a vehicle which does not call for the exercise- of extraordinary gymnastic abilities. It seems that at least another dozen palaces will invade the streets before the design is altered,, for the present contract provides for twenty. . The Mayor (the Hon. T. W. Hislop), chairman of the Tramways Committee, admitted to-day that the high steps were a real grievance to people who were not very active ; he 'considered that the cars could be made more accessible by the addition of a lower step. This idea was mentioned in the Electrical Engineer's office some time ago, but did not meet with favour. i The Mayor, however, is confident that the ways and means of entering and leaving these new cars could be made more comfortable. In other respects Mr. Hislop holds that the cars are the only type capable of coping with the Wellington traffic, and he .submits that the bulk of public opinion is in their favour. / While a little energy is being expended in impioving the steps, the operators tehould not overlook the grip> It has already been mentioned in The Post that in some of the caTS the grips at the sides are left-handed as often as they aro right-handed; it is a matter of luck, depending on the direction in which the car is going and whether the passenger is alighting or boarding.