BUSES TO WINGATUI

Evening Star, Issue 23907, 10 June 1941, Page 3

BUSES TO WINGATUI

CRITICISM FROM COUNCILLORS WINDSCREEN WIPERS ON TRAMS When an adequate train service operates to Wingatui on race days is there any justification for the City Council transport department running buses from the city? This was a question raised by Or D. C. Cameron during the presentation of the transport department’s report by the chairman (Cr M. C. Henderson) at last night s meetinf of the City Council. . He doubted the wisdom of running the buses at such a time, he said, and the council might well consider eliminating them. The deputy-mayor was supported by Cr J. W. Munro, M.P., who remarked that at a recent meetiug hq had heard a considerable amount of criticism. He thought the buses should be discontinued. . Another question directed to the committee chairman related to wipers on trams. These were vitally necessary, said Cr R. Walls, and motormen were really concerned over the matter. With the bad weather and reduced) lighting, drivers faced a real problem, and ho knew of some instances recently where the conductor had to stand on the front step and advise the driver. Cr Walls was supported in his statements by Cr L. J. T. Ireland and Cr E. J. Smith, the latter laying particular stress upon tho necessity for wipers on the hill trams. Tho reference to poor visibility prompted the mayor to mention the need' for conductors, where possible, to call out the names of street stops at night. This would prove of invaluable assistance to tho public, he said. He knew of several people who had overrun their stops because of inability to see just where they were. Replying to the, subjects raised, Cr Henderson said he agreed the buses to Wimratui might well be cut out. But would it assist? The department had been asked by the racing people to run buses so as to lessen use of cars, but if tbe buses were discontinued it would bo found that the public would hire taxis, and no fuel would be saved. The reverse would be the position, ho said. Cr Henderson said he would make inquiries concerning wipers on the trams. So far as conductors notifying passengers of car stops on dark nights was concerned, the traffic manager had alrcadv put up a notice to this effect, and the men had beeii advised accordingly. '