HASTINGS STREET CROSSING.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 237, 19 September 1922, Page 3

HASTINGS STREET CROSSING.

“ABSOLUTE PIFFLE.” RED-TAPE AND OFFICIALDOM NAPIER COUNCIL OBJECTS. Minister for Railways advised th a Napier Borough Council last evening that no provision was made for stopping a train if a tram was over the raiway line on the proposed Hastings street crossing, and further, that tho Department did not consider the safety of the public was sufficiently guarded by a man on the line with a Hag, nor by appliances a faiure of which would, have serious’results. Cr. Ashcroft moved that the Mayor be asked to interview the Minister and secure the best terms possible. He thought the matter should ba gone on with. Perhaps the Department would undertake control of the crossing.— Cr. Smith seconded. Cr. Bryant said he thought the letter was absolute piffle. Not only was the Borough behind it, but also the Harbour Board, who were opening up a large area, the High School Board, and Parents’ League and they should be asked to back the council in this fight against red-tape. These were not the only bodies concerned. The railway was owned by the people, and they were the people. There were a large number of votes concerned, and the Minister would think differenly when he knew how many were concerned. He moved that a committee be set up to enlist support. Cr Renouf seconded, and said they had been blocked by red-tape and officialdom, and a strong protest must com© from Napier. Hie Department let any old ’bus drag over the crossing at any old time of the day or night with or without, a light, and yet objected to a tram for which every precaution was to be taken. The position was ridiculous Cr. Hobson supported the mendment, and said the arae was not one where there was congested traffic. Cr. Creagh said the Government was blocking the progress of the town by these methods, it was up to the town to protest strongly, and this was a very opportune time, on the eve of an election. Cr. Ashcroft said his purpose was served. Ali he wanted was the crossing. The crossing had been put off again and again, but he did not want it delayed again. 'File amendment was carried without dissent.