THE TRAMWAYS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 11, 13 July 1909, Page 6

THE TRAMWAYS.

Assessing Wellington's inhabitants at seventy thousand, the whole population was carried three hundred times on the city tramways during the year that endp'l on 31st March Roughly, each man, woman, and child of the city and .suburbs has an average of one ride in an electric car per day all the year round, and that is, generally speaking, a condition which should be accompanied by a profit, after full allowance has been made for expenses under all heads. The annual report of the corporation tramways manager, Mr. S. Richardson, shows a profit of £5934 for the year under review, and he gives the detailed figures (which have already been reviewed in Tho Post). There is still a doubt whether the allowance of 1 per cent, for sinking fund is sufficient _ for such a tramway system as Wellington's, but it must be conceded that during the past year the charge against maintenance has been liberal. The track, the overhead equipment, the cars, and other assets, have received abundance of attention. A .note by the City Engineer, Mr. Morton, indicates, in facl, that some part? of the track, at least, have required rather an inordina-tp amount pf ©vprhauUnE. Portions of the concrete wiUbed \vJaicti A

when made up just a few years ago, was credited with, power to remain practically intact for very many long years, have broken down, and the exten.sive repairs have been "the chief factor in producing the increase in permanent way maintenance." Less than two years ago these same foundations, of the boasted "eternal" order, were quoted to justify alleged low allowances for depreciation and pinking fund. The sleepers behaved better than the concrete bed, and it is well to remember that sleepers reduce the noise made by cars. Mr. Richardson makes a recommendation which should be promptly heeded by the City Council. He urges that the lines in Willis-street .should be extended to the General Post Office. This work would pay for itself by cutting out the unprofitable running of some cars that now run all the way to Lambton and would furnish a convenient terminus. the council has the guarantee of its manager that the desirable extension would ''result in a considerabje annual saving in the working expenses," it should be eager to get the work done as soon as possible. Mr. Richardson also directs attention to the abuse of the cars by persons who dump on to them "merchandise and produce, thereby saving express hire." He points to the inconvenienco and delay caused by the introduction of large quantities of bulky bags and packages, and submits that it -would be advisable to limit the number of articles that may be carried on the cars, to exclude goods, and to. make a reasonable charge for bulky personal luggage. The council has received sufficient reminders about the need of framing commonsense regulations to copw with the goods and luggage traffic, and should immediately give heed to the manager's words.