TRAMS FOR THE HUTT

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 112, 13 May 1910, Page 7

TRAMS FOR THE HUTT

- o — plea for a state loan, no' hope for the present. To-day members of the Petone-Hutfe Tramway Board (introduced by Mr. Wilford, M.P.) interviewed the Prime Minister in reference to tramway proposals. It was explained that the board intended to place loan proposals before the ratepayers of the combined district within a few weeks, and desired to give the people an assurance that the money could be raised through the Government at 3£ per cent. Mr. Wilford stressed the argument that the Government, which owned much land in the district, should practically be a partner in the venture. Mr. J. W. M'Ewan (Mayor of Petone) said that some time ago the Government Was approached in reference to subsidising the local bodies, and it was hoped that something would be done. Practically the whole tramway service would be a feeder to the railways. The service would be particularly advantageous to workmen now occupying Government land, and an extension of the proposed line would benefit the Pitt Settlement (State land). The Premier : What do you propose to spend .on these tramways? Mr. M'Ewan : £35 000, for 11^ miles of tramway, to be spread over two years. The board did' not wish to ba forced into the local market or the London market. The members had reason to believe that they could £?et the money in London, but they would save £800 a year by getting the funds from the Government. Thus there would be £800 less in taxation on the district. Mr. Southgate said the population of the tramway district now was. about 15,000, and he was confident that this number would be doubled in two or three years. THE PREMIER'S REPLY. The Premier replied that he could not accept the railway argument as a legitim.ato one for the advocacy of a subsidy. The "railway feeder" argument might apply to any tramway system in New Zealand. AISO, argument as to enhancing the value of the Government land ha"<l a wia-, application. The State Guaranteed Advances Department was created to give loans to local bodies for the people's necessities. There had been applications for money for tramways^ in ■ill Darts of New Zealand, totalling £300,000 or £400,000. The first consideration had to be given to roads, bridges, sanitation, or other necessities. Unless the Advances Board took this course it would be running counter to the intention of Parliament. The Advances Board coidd not put tramway loans on the same basis as those for recognised necessities, lnvercareill had the people's authority for a tramway loan, but it had been refused, as others had been refused. Mr. Wilford : I understand that we cannot cet the money for the present. The Prpmier : That is so. Mr. M'Ewan finally remarked that the board would take a. poll, and would lodge an application for a State advance.