TRAMWAY TRACKS MAINTENANCE

Evening Star, Issue 19779, 1 February 1928, Page 4

TRAMWAY TRACKS MAINTENANCE

APPEAL TO HIGHWAYS BOARD SOME ASSISTANCE SOUGHT [Per United Press Association.] ' CHRISTCHURCH, January 31. Assistance in the mainteuace of the tramway tracks in the city and suburbs was sought by a deputation from the Christchurch Tramways Board, wh/ch waited on dm Mam Highways Board to-day. Mr Flesher, lor the deputation, said Christchurch had a longer tramway mileage than any other city in the do-minion—fifty-three miles without double tracks or loops—and including this the board had to maintain a road 18in on each side of the tracks; and the cost was £22,000 per year. These tracks were used extensively by motorists. It probably cost the board £B,OOO yearly to maintain roads alone, without track renewals. He asked that the Tramway Board be allowed to participate in the benefits granted by the Highways Board. He admitted that amendment of the law might be necessary before the board could assist the Tramways Board. “I am inclined to agree with the Tramways Board,” said Mr Furkert. Ho stated that the system compelling the board to maintain so much road was a relic of the days when tramway concerns were given a monopoly of transport on condition that they kept the roads in order. That was all right twenty-live years ago, but was now hopelessly out of date. Ho thought the Highways Board would give the request sympathetic consideration.