ACCESS QUESTION

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 143, 18 June 1923, Page 8

ACCESS QUESTION

TO WESTERN SUBURBS

COUNCIL'S HANDS ALREADY

FULL.

Commenting to-day upon the resolution passed on .Friday by a meeting of delegates from bodies interested in the question of access to the western suburbs, the Mayor (Mr. R, A. Wright, M.P.) stated that thero was no reason at all why there should be any further delay in the matter of tho tramway, extension to Northland from the Karori tunnel. The work could be, and should be, carried out. as it had been promised for a very long time, and was provided for in the 1920 loan schedule. He pointed out that preliminary plans and surveys had already been authorised by tho council for the tramway connection between Lambton quay and Tinakori road, via 80-.yen and Sydney streets. Considering that it would be an excellent business proposition for the tramway department, he had not the least doubt that, the work would be carried out as requested^

Alluding to tho affirmation by tho meeting of the necessity for a new tramway connection between the central portion of tho city and the western districts, the Mayor stated that it must, not be forgotten that Baroa road had already been authorised by tho ratepayers as the most suitable route for a main arterial road and tram line. Ho was aware there was some opposition to tho Earoa road route, but "in the event of another route being suggested as an alternative, it was difficult to know how tho council was to move. It was questionable whether a departure could legally bo made from the route authorised iv 1920. He was sure there would be a great deal of opposition to any suggestion that that scheme should bo allowed to lapse. Some weeks ago an alternative proposal had been made that the tramway should traverse a new route via Norway street. Probably there was a good deal of sound argument in favour of that proposal, but it was not provided for on the loan schedule, and on that question the council again was faced with the legal aspect. In the circumstances, that route had been abandoned.

Raroa road would require to be widened before anything could be done in the laying.of tram tracks, and the council had so much other work in hand at the present time that it was unable to commence that contract.

Mr. Wright had no comment to make upon th« suggestion that a committee of independent experts should be set up to investigate and report upon the most practical, best available, and most suitable route for a new tramway and arterial rod between Karori and the central portion o£ the city.