[ESTABLISHED 1875.] Manawatu Dally Times The Oldest Manawatu Journal. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1914.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 12757, 1 April 1914, Page 4

[ESTABLISHED 1875.] Manawatu Dally Times The Oldest Manawatu Journal. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1914.

IN the early days of railway construction cars were built on the lines of the old stage coach. Inventive genius was equal to devising new means of traction, but inherent conservatism could not get beyond the idea of a stage coach on rails, and it took many years to develop the Pullman car, and longer still to produce the observation car. It also took many years to develop the original clumsy large wheeled bicycle into the motor cycle of to-day. So also when improved means of traction in the centres were sought for, the car on rails was the first idea that presented itself, but with the development of motive power came the motor bus, which naturally left the original tramway far in the rear in the march of progress—as far behind indeed as the motor cycle left the original hobby-horse or velocipede. Yet there are some who are eager to see a progressive town march backwards to the old and almost obsolete tramway. For their benefit, and for the guidance of those who may be called upon to vote oi)l the question of traction we quote the following from a London contemporary:—'The total capital of the various tramway undertakings in London may be stated in round figures to amount to about 20 millions sterling, while the capital sunk in motor omnibuses does not exceed four millions sterling, says an authority. At the present moment, however, the motor omnibus companies of London are taking weekly more in fares than the tramway companies, though the capital of the latter is five times as great. For the week ending August 14, the relative takings of the London County Council's tramways was £38,798, as against £51,530 for motor omnibuses owned by the General London Omnibus Company. The capital of the former £13,500,000; and of the bus company £2,500,000. The tendency also of the tramways to lose passengers, compared with the motor omnibus,, is further evidenced by the fact that for the week ending September 11, the London tramways showed a decrease of £3741, notwithstanding that more miles are in operation than last year, an 1 the population of London is continually increasing." Could there be stron-! ger evidence of the retrogressive nature of the proposal to establish a tram service in Palmerston, or stronger proof that the motor buses would be not only less expensive but infinitely superior?

THE ratepayers of Palmerston Hospital District should feel grateful to those energetic people who have obtained from the public an amount which, with Government subsidy of 24s in the £, will total over £7OO to assist the funds of the Board. The

liberal response to the efforts of the collectors also indicates that the public appreciate the good work that is being done by the Hospital authorities. The promoters have with well-assured confidence, handed the amount, to the Board unconditionally, and it will thus be free to devote it to the most pressing need. It is some years since a similar collection was made, and its success on this occasion should stimulate to further endeavour. It is intended to make an earlier start with the work next year, in which case the result should be even better. The charges at the Hospital are as low as they can possibly be made, and this contribution by the public enables the Board to keep the rate levy within reasonable limits.

THE resignations of Mr Asquith and Colonel Seely for the purpose of testing the feeling of their constituencies, indicate that they have no fear of the result, but at the same time the verdict of the electors will influence the action of the party in Parliament, anil will afford a test as to what further proceedings are advisable. Until these elections are decided there is also likely to be a time of comparative peace, which will give both sides opportunity for serious reflection.

WE regret to notice that there is a disposition in some quarters to blame those who at the public meeting freely eriticised the River Board classification. The speakers gave excellent reasons for their criticism, and their reflections were chiefly against the classification. The fact that some property-owners neglected to make objection should not prevent justice being done, and the petition now be--ing circulated asking for abolition of I the Board appears to afford the shortest and most certain means of securI ing it. It does not follow that the present Board may not be re-elected. And there is certainly no reason why men should be blamed when they are trying to have injustice remedied or when they suggest what they believe to be better, less expensive, and more certain methods of carrying out works on which public moiiey is to be spent.