BIG TRAM DEBT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 91, 17 March 1936, Page 7

BIG TRAM DEBT.

SYDNEY PROBLEM. There could be no question that, bo far as popular favour was concerned, trams were losing ground, Mr S. A. Maddocks (Transport Commissioner) said at a Sydney Rotary Club luncheon. This was in spite of the fact that right throughout the world this means of transport was still regarded as the cheapest method of moving traffic.

Mr Maddocks said that in London the tram would be replaced by the trackless trolly car. This was a fine vehicle, quiet in movements, comfortable to ride in, and with plenty of power. In Sydney they had to look forward to a programme of' gradual replacements, preferably by the trolly car. It’was, however, a question of finance. The department had been left with a legaev of £12,000,000. representing the capital cost of the tramways. Owing to the failure in the past to provide for depreciation, until 1930, this sum had to bo carried, and to add to it another £6,000,000 for replacements would mean that the service could not be run as cheaply as desired. During the last three years sufficient money had been earned to provide for depreciation, but this was applied largely to meet the deficits on past working. These deficits had been paid off. tramways fares reduced, and modern equipment introduced. The system was in a satisfactory condition, but there was a need for fresh money and a reduction of the present capital indebtedness. This was a matter of Government policy. Mr Maddocks said that everywhere lie went on his recent tour abroad, transport was being more and more recognised as a public utility, like water and sewerage and electricity, something which played a big part in the working out of this social system. In the United States they had proved false the old idea that transport was something to be exploited for individual profit. Canadian inter-pro-vincial transport was in a state of chaos owing to the absence of reasonable regulation. In England, the Transport Commissioners had stabilised the position with regard to pas-senger-carrying vehicles.