TRAMWAYS CONSTRUCTION

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4875, 22 May 1918, Page 6

TRAMWAYS CONSTRUCTION

MR. LYSNAR’S PROPOSALS,

CONCRETE OFFER TO TRE

COUNCIL.

■V CONFERENCE TO EE HEI.D TO-DAY.

The unique offer made by Mr. W. D. Lysnar to take in hand the work of completing the tramway system on lines similar to the .original prowas embodied bri that gentleman in letter which ,he submitted to last evening’s meeting of the Council, which decided to r meet Mr. Lysnar in conference to go into the proposals. Mr. Lysnar’s letter was as follows: HISBORNE, May 15, 1918. 1.0 the Mayor and Councillors, of the Borough of Gisborne, oirs, In reply „to your Council’s letter asking me to state the Terms and condi Lions/upon which I am prepared to carry out the Gisborne Tramway ju'oposals, I beg to reply as follows :

■l. I would undertake to supervise and control the proper laying down and completion of the Gisborne Tramway system along the routes which were originally proposed and settled when the firstloan for tramway was sanctioned by the ratepayers of this Borough, that route being down Peel Street, across . the Taruhcru Bridge, through Main Ormond Road to Mangapapa, and via Kaiti Bridge aloifg the Main AVainui Road, to the beach at AVainui. The third branch extending up Gladstone Road to the town boundary, which has already been completed by the Borough. In consequence of the development and expansion of the suburbs since the original scheme was authorised it would be prudent and necessary, in order to make the trams properl v payable and useful, to extend the original terminus of each of these lines for a comparatively short distance. The extensions-, which I consider are now necessary would be to extend the Mangapapa line from the town side of the Mangapapa Bridge, which was the original terminus of that line, to Bell’s Store at Hill Street, Mangapapa. The AVainui extension should be carried along; the sea frontage to the vicinity of Hauinanatua Creek, and providing the owners of the Park race-course would pay the total cost of continuing the line from the main road to the vicinity of the grandstand, it would be advisable to extend the Gladstone Road extension from the present terminus from Lytton Road to the Park gate opposite Nelson Bros, upon the Main Makaraka Road. 2. Unless the work is stopped in any way through the exigencies of the war, or shortage of shipping, I would undertake to have the necessary rolling-stock available and the lines completed to the extent possible to complete them' with the tramway rails now held by your Council, as far as they will go, within seven months from- the date of the final acceptance of these proposals, and the balance of the extensions to be completed as soon as it is possible to procure the necessary rails for the extensions I have suggested above. 3. I am to be allowed to purchase, on behalf of the Borough : Council, in any market, subject of course to all statutory conditions which the Council itself is bound to respect, any material which may be needed at an v time, either in connection with the construction or the maintenance o r improvement of tlie lines, or for any material or plant of anv and every kind which I may consider necessary and essential from time to time for the proper completion, working or maintenance qf the Borough Tramway system, and if necessary may purchase any second-hand rails which are in the opinion of the Chief Public AA r orks Engineer suitable for the proposed tramway extensions, whether they are of similar quality and weight tb those now used by the Council or not. - 4. At the present time it is understood that the Borough Council have available for immediate expenditure a balance of £21,400 out of the original loan for expenditure towards the completion of the tramways. This is after allowing for the* anticipated expenditure of certain tramway shelters now in hand. This balance is to be strictly available to meet all expenditure in connection with the main construction work, and the purchase of the necessary plant for the running of the tramwa v system, and in no case am I to commit the Council to any expenditure for capital expenditure in excess of thesaid sum of £21,400 .without the sanction and approval of the Council first had and obtained except as provided for in the next clause. 5. Providing, however, the Council will, whenever I so request, take the necessary _steps to obtain and raise in any manner the Council may think fit. any sum up to a ll extra 10 per cent on both the_two original tramway loans of £25,000 and £30,000, as I contemplate and consider it will take a little more than the £21,400 now available to complete the work but, so far as 1 can at present judge, the excess will not exceed the extra £5,500' representing 10 per cent on the two original loans, in order to complete the work and necessary plant upon the lines stipulated by these arrangements, hut it is. to be clearly understood the Council has only to raise the exact amount which it is found will be necessary to complete the work. 6. The system for propelling the tramways shall be the Edison Storage Battery system as used at present. hut, if through the exigencies of the war or the shortage of shipping, the necessary storage battery cannot be obtained, then I am free to utilise any other means of traction which " I may consider suitable as a temporary means to carry the system on until the Edison Storage Battery system can be completed. 7. In providing for the construction work of any or all of the work in connection with the whole tramway system I am free to have the work carried out either by contract o“ day labor as T consider best, and in connection with the laying of the balance of the tramway line I can either have it set in a complete bed of concrete, or with concrete sleepers or durable wooden sleepers, and then ballasted and covered upth metal, shingle , or asphalt, or pari ojTone and part of another, and may lav part of the line one way. and part another on the lines stated with the materials suggested above. i. . S. The whole of the existing plant and materials now held by the Council, in connection' with their tramway system, is to he placed at my disposal and to be made available for use in connection with the tramway system, including the barns and housing accommodation for the trams, tramcars and other material whether m hand or under order, it being understood that there is a large size car now under order at a cost of* £2,600 plus any extra shipping charges. 9. °i am to have the absolute control and engagement, in the name of the Council, of the whole of t-ne staff (including a tramway Anan-

ager) which is necessary to maintain tvork and run the tramways, for the full period in which_they are under my control in terms of these arrangements, and have the untrammelled right to dismiss re-engage any' or all of the officers, staff and workmen as I may from 'time to time consider necessary, but in engaging permanent, hands the statutory*' provisions where their salaries are over the stipulated 'amount requiring advertisements applications by public tender shall be called for. These conditions of, advertising for applicants are to be strictly complied: .with by me, provided, however, that if the Borough Council or its Town Clerk detect any laxity or errors by any of the motormen who are responsible to\ receive and hand over to the Council the takings of . the tramways, the Council or I own Clerk desire to have such person removed from office, I will undertake to see that he is so removed tnd replaced by it more efficient ofcer. ? 10. The Borough Council’s staff shall receive from tlie ear conductors the daily earnings i f the trams, and the Council w.H keep proper hooks of account showing the daily .earnings of the trams and all outgoings, ' distinguishing between capital and maintenance expenditure. No charge is to be made to the tramway system in connection with this clerical work, and so long as the Borough Council has a Borough Engineer I am to be at liberty to" obtain bis services and those of his staff at any time in connection with the work of the tramways, particularly in drawing up ohms and specifications and the taking of levels, and other usual engineering work which ma v arise from time to time in connection with the tramways, and no charge is to be made against tlie maintenance or construction work for any services which the Borough Engineer or his staff may be required to give in connection with the tramway work, but if the Borough lias no engineer, or for any other reasfin whi<li I may consider sufficient to warrant not using the Borough Engineer’s services, I can engage outside engineering assistance for which the Borough Council will have to pay, but in that case the cost to be either charged to capital expenditure or maintenance as the case may be in connection with the tramways. "

11. During ,the currency of this arrangement *1 am to maintain the whole of the foundations in connec--tion ‘with the trams, and also the maintenance up tb the proper roacl level between the rails, the Borough Council maintaining the road surface outside the tram rails with- j in the Borough 'boundaries. Beyond the Borough boundaries the tramway system to be responsible for ,the' whole of the maintenance as required by law, and should the Borough Council neglect, after a written request to-jnaintam tne surface of the road immediately outside of the tram rails \\ thin the Borough boundaries,, which m my opinion may be causing mjuiy to tlie foundations of the tram line, I can have such surface repaired the actual detailed cost of which shall be kept separate and paid, by the Council, but shall not be chargeable by the Council against the maintenance of the tram, system. 12. lam to take all necessaij steps to obtain the name of the Council the approval of the Gocernment authorities of the plans and specifications and any matters m connection with the running oi the trams and particularly to apply *°r leave ’to divert the tramways from the centre of tlie road to the side immediately they extend out of the Borough boundary. 13. The Borough Council itself is to take immediate and energetic | steps to obtain in the name of the Government Officials; to run the trams across the Kaiti and, taruhe- , i'll Bridges, and will as speedily as , possible take all necessary steps to have whatever work is essential in connection with the bridges performed at as early a date as possible to allow the present tramway system to utilise same. No portion of the cost for. these bridges is to be taken into account in connection with the tramway expenditure.

14. With a view of keeping the Council in touch with the work .of the tramways, from time to time, 1 would suggest that a Committee of not less than three or more than Five Councillors should be appointed, but I suggest they should he Councillors who are in sympathy with the tramway system, so as to" avoid friction,, with whom I could confer from time to time in connection with tjh,e tramway work, it being distinctly understood that this Committee shall have no power to veto* or obstruct any matters which may arise from time to time, but- in all matter of construction I am to see that the work is performed and carried through to the entire satisfaction of the Government Public Works Engineer in Charge of Tramways for the Dominion.

15. That immediate steps are to be taken to have available at least Six Cars and Three trailers propelled by the Edison Storage Battery system, the cars to comprise three of the standard and type of No 3. Car now in use in Gisborne. The other oars to be of smaller size, somewhat about the size of Nos. 1 and 2, but the batteries of the three larger cars are to be of sufficient strength to haul a trailer. Any further cars required shall be at the discretion of) myself during the currency of these arrangements so long as there is sufficient surplus either out of the capital as stated above, or the earnings of the tramway system, after paying all disbursements including interest but not sinking fundi, but in the event of additional cars be required and there not being sufficient available out of either capital money or earnings, any additional expense in this respect must be subect to tlie approval of the Council, as it is distinctly to be understood that I have no right to commit the Council to any capital expenditure in excess of "the two sums totalling £26,909 provided by these arrangements. 19. I am to have the right from time to time to appoint any person whom I may think fit to act for me during my ‘absence. 17. The Borough Council are to provide the necessary electrical current for' charging the batteries, such current to be made ava'lable for the general charges for the ordinary charging after 11 p.m. at night and 7 a.m. in the morning, but if for any reason at any time the cars require a bolstering charge during heavy or rush work in the day time, the Council is to facilitate the extra ' charge being made during other hours. It is understood that this would only he requred for special reasons. The charge the Council is to make to the system for this power shall not exceed 2d per unit, bait in no case shall it bs in excess of the most favoured rate for power purposes charged by the Council. 18. Tlie fares to bo charged shall be the ordinary charge approved of by the Public ’Works Department from time to time, in pursuance of the tramway system of the Dominion, and! the Council itself is in no way -to attempt to. interfere with these'charges.

16. I am to be strictly bound to refund to the Borough Council any shortage arise in'connection with the working of„ the tramways after they have been completed, this shortage to- be ascertained in the following manner:— Al] outgoings for working expenses, maintenance and interest on the. total capital expenditure from the date of completion shall be deducted, and if there is any shortage which is. not covered by the earnings at the close of each financial year of the Borough Council’s account on the 31st of March in each year, I am to refund that ‘ amount for each year that there is a. deficiency within three months after being notified of any such deficiency. The only item whioh the Borough is liable for, .which is not be taken into account, is tho item for sinking fund, but theCouncil is to charge the full intern est on the two loans' of £25,000 and £30,000 respectively calculated only as from the completion of tlie work as provided for in these arrangements. The pei’iod of completetion is to be ascertained and start from immediately the tramway work is completed, and plant is available and able to- run on all three lines in terms of these arrangements, which shall be within Seven, months from date that the final Deed! of Arrangement is executed in terms of these arrangements, unless the work has been delayed through the exigencies of the War or shortage of shipping, or the Council for any reason has not completed the work necessary to enable the trams to run over the I a ruher>u and Ivaiti Bridges 20. The Council is to pay me tor niv services for the full period of these arrangements the sum of two pounds (£2), which sum is to fie paid upon a proper deed in terms of these arrangements being drawn up and signed, such deed shall be drawn by the Council’s solicitor at the Council’s expense, and shall embody all further and necessary safeguards and provisions to protect both sides. 21. This offer is made upon the J distinct understanding that the Council will come to a prompt decision in the matter, as I have a special personal reason for desiring this, and further, as the Freezing Works will be closing down at an early date, the necessary labor will be very largely available from these sources to complete this work before the freezing season starts next season, and in this way it would prevent seriously disorganising the laborerequired for carrying on the ordinary industries of the district. —Yours truly, - W. DOUGLAS LYSNAR.

The Mayor said he had seen Mr Lysnar that day. He would move that the Council meet Mr Lysnar at 2 p.m. on Monday. Cr Wildish seconded the motion.

Cr Wauchop: Will that be in committee or open Council?

Cr Wildish: I would rather see it in open Council. The Mayor said he would take it in committee, but he would suspend the standing orders so as to give Coucillors every freedom. Ur Wildish said that Mr Lysnar would leave for tlie south on Thursday. The Mayor said he would change the date to to-morrow. Or Mount moved as an amendment that Mr Lysnar be thanked for liis letter. He held that they had 1 no legal right to enter into an agreement with Mr Lysnar. Secondly, they would have to strengthen the bridges and they did not have the money- to do this. Ci- Oman seconded the amendment. Cr Hill rose to a point of order. He hadi a notice of motion which had been held over pending this discussion. The Mayor': I have not reported your notice of motion. Cr Mouat is cutting the ground from under your feetl "i am not stopping your notice of motion. Cr Hill: I object to being talked to like that. You talk to me as though J am A dog. The Mayor: Cr Hill could bring the matter up at the end of tho meeting Cr Hill: Why did you not put it that way before? Cr Wauchop said they were only wasting time and ■ beating the air. They would have to erect new bridg©s and there was no possibility of doing that- - t

Cr Tucker spoke in a. similar strain. He said one could drive a horse and cartythrough the proposed agreement.

Or Munns, while criticising the offer, said he tliought they should accept it as a basis of negotiations. They had failed themselves - with the trams and when an energetic man came along they turned him down. He wanted to suggest that the Wainui extension be cut out. If they did not meet Mr Lysnar when would they get another chance? Some Councillors jumped at any chance to squash the proposal. He thought the Council had agreed to extend the trams but apparently they had not. Or Miller supported the amendment. He objected to the handing over of the Council’s affairs to Mr. Lysnar. He gloried in the opposition to tho trams, which brought out the strongest points, but he had no doubt tho Council would be able to deal with the matter without the aid of Mr Lysnar. He questioned whether, with the difficulties of obtaining labor and materials, - the contract could he carried out in seven months. Cr Wildish supported the view taken by Or Munns. He said Mr Lysnar had made a proposition and if he could not carry it out it was his funeral. The opponents, to the trams should jump at this offer. -Mr Lj’snar said he was prepared to carry out the work with,, the amount in hand plus 10 per cent and he considered that a very fair offer had been made. The only way to extend the trams was to meet Mr Lysnar and give him a chance. Mr Lysnar was prepared to listen to any suggestion the Council might make. There would be nothing bidding and the matter could come before the Council again. If they turned the proposal down where would they be! There would he no extension at all. He hoped they would meet Mr Lysnar.

Cr Ball said the most .remarkable tiling they had ever had before the Council was the offer by Mr Lysnar. He wanted to-take everything in his own hands and put down the trams how and where he liked. They had asked Mr Lysnar to state a price for which he would complete their system and he had givemtheifi nothing definite. After the advice they had had from their solicitors the only thing was to put the line down to Mangapapa. Personally lie would have preferred motor buses. * /> Cr Mu nils said they were' not giving Mr Lysnar a chance to amend his offer if it was not satisfactory. The Mayor said the offer was not an offer, but he thought it was only right to meet Mr Lysnar. He had told Mr Lysnar that they had £21,000 and he replied that they might want a little more. If Mr Lysnar could- buy three cars and tramlines and put down the line for £26,000 it was a very good offer, but the offer -as it stood was .a camouflage- > Cr Oman: How are' we going to get over the bridges? The Mayor: We can ask him that. Or Mouat: What is the legal position?

The Mayor: We Gan let a contract to Mi* Lysnar. " , Cr Mouat: Are you prepared to put the bridges right? The Mayor: No. Ur Mouat: Then what is the use of meeting Mr Lysnar? The motion was carried on the casting vote of the Mayor. ..-Or Hill, in speaking to his notice of motion in reference to the trainways said he Tad not in any way been influenced by Mr Lysnar. He had three reasons for moving Ins motion. They wore that Mr Lysnar was obstructed when Mayor in carrying out his scheme; secondly, the people favoured the extension; and thirdly, the Mayor in his election speech had. favoured extension to the more populous suburbs. The Mayor: That’s an election game, isn’t it? Cr Hill said everybody had watched Mr Lysnar’s career and he defied anyone to say that he was riot the shrewdest man in Gisborne. Cr Hill argued that they should not stop works because there was n war on. The only way to make the trams pay was to extend them into the suburbs. They had been told this b v an outside engineer. The Council had been quibbling as to what Mr Lysnar would do. They would see by the proposed agreement and all they would have to pay would be £2. The letter before them was only a rough draft and could probably, be amended to meet the Council’s wishes. He would bet that if Mr Lysnar said he would complete the tramways in seven months he would do it. He was pleased tlie Council had arranged a conference with him. If the Council turned Mr Lysnar down, unless they went on with tlie scheme themselves and set aside their Rip Van Winkle policy, the ratepayers would hold ,an indignation mooting. He had always favoured an extension of the service and now after all these years they were no further ahead. The Mayor: Yes wo are. Cr Hill: Well, a little. Or Mouat, seconded pro forma They had had an assurance from the Mayor that he was going to help to have the trams laid down in Wliataupoko. He had taken his best step in that direction that night. They had now six men—who favoured this policy and they did not need the assistance of Mr Lysnar. He was sure that they could not enter into any legal arrangement with Mr Lysnar and in any case the bridge question was in the way.

Cr Wildish said that Cr Mouat would find that he was wrong in saving that they could not make Mb Lysnar a servant or a contractor to the Council Cr Munns took exception to the discussion of the motion. If it was carried they would simply hand over the trams to Mr Lysnar and that was contrary to the motion already passed.

The amendment, on being put to the meeting, was lost.