THE TRAMWAY ENGINEER.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIX, Issue 14610, 18 February 1908, Page 9

THE TRAMWAY ENGINEER.

APPRECIATION OF Mil P. H. i CHAMBERLAIN. At yestcraay ; s meeting of the Christchurch Tramway Board, the chairman (Mr A. W. Beaven), moved the following motion:— " Whereas the five years' term of engagement of Mr P. Hubert Chamberlain, as engineer for the construction and equipment of the Christchurch tramways having expired, it being his intention to return to America, and whereas this Board desires to place on record its high appreciation, of his valuable services, it is hereby resolved that tin's Board wishes to testify to the exceptional ability of Mr Chamberlain, and accords him a cordial vote of thanks for the untiring application and indefatigable energy displayed by him, iu the various works successfully carried out under his supervision, comprising the designing, construction and equipment of the Christchurch electric tramway system—forty-eight and a half miles in length, costing £405,000 which involved many engineering difficulties, and much negotiation with the various local bodies concerned. The work has been completed in a most satisfactory manner, and the Christchurch tramways will bear favourable comparison with any system built unuur similar conditions in. any part of the world. The Board also wishes to express the hope thai Mr Chamberlains ruture career may be most successful. Resolved that a copy of tho above resolution he suitably engrossed and presented to Mr Chamberlain." Mr \V. Reece seconded tho motion. He said that an opportunity would be given at a later- date to spe-a.k in detail regarding Mr Chamberlain's services to the Board and to the city. The motion expressed in a few words the Board's feeling of appreciation regarding tho energetic and whole-hearted manner in: which Mr Chamberlain had devoted the past five years to its service. Mr Chamberlain had come to Christchurch with very high recommendations both as to his ability and as to his energy and enterprise, and, he had shown that the recommendations, had been thoroughly deserved. He had never hesitated x*o undertake far more than could have been required of him in the ordinary course of duty, and every member of the Board would thoroughly -udorse the motion. Mr S. A. Staples said that Mr Chamberlain had a remarkable amount of tact, and this had enabled him to carry out most difficult duties with a minimum of friction. Mr J. Richardson said that Mr Chamberlain had placsd the Woolston Borough Council under a deep debt of gratitude for the liberal manner in which be had attended to various wants of the borough. Tho chairman said that an illuminated copy of tho motion would be enclosed in an album illustrating. tho Christchurch tramway system, and this album would be presented to Mr Chamberlain at a citizen's gathering to be held on the following Monday. The motion was carried unanimously. Mr Chamberlain said that be had to thank the Board for its very great kindness in passing the resolution. He had felt it a great honour to be connected with the Board as engineer during the past live years, and his endeavour had been to carry out the duties assigned to him with partial credit to himself and satisfaction to hi 3 employers. What suocess he had achieved would not have been possible had the Board not been, composed of men of groat business ability, and had he not had the loyal support and confidence of the staff.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Tho very complimentary remarks appearing in your columns this morning in regard to- the above gentleman will I hop© result in something being done. I have had the opportunity of seeing most of the tramways in Australasia, and I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that the Christchurch service is the best, and it is toi Mr Chamberlain's ability this success is due. But with this satisfactory system, why is it not run better ? The best testimonial to present to Mr Chamberlain would bo a re-engagement to manage our tram system. Trusting to see my suggestion followed up by an abler pen than mine.—l am, etc., 'SLOW COACH. February 17, 1908.