LIGHTING AND TRAMS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 14199, 26 August 1919, Page 5

LIGHTING AND TRAMS.

WHAT BUSINESS MEN THINK. With a view to obtaining opinions of the question of the lighting, power and tramways proposals, which are to be placed before the ratepayers at the meeting convened by the Borough Counfor to-night, a ‘‘ Times ’’ reporter interviewed several business men in Palmerston yesterday. The question at issue is whether the tramway proposals, which amount to an estimated cost of £75,000 to £IOO,OOO. and the lighting and power proposals, which cover in the neighbourhood of £24,000, should be considered together or separately. Mr G. H. Bennett, chairman cf the Progressive League, which started the agitation in Palmerston North for trams, was the first interviewed. He stated that the increased cost from £86,000 to £125,000, as estimated by Mr Black, altered the complexion of things completely. He was strongly in favour of Cr. E. H. Crabb r s suggestion that the two proposals should be treated separately, the light and power scheme to be proceeded wifh first, and the tramways to be considered by the ratepayers at a later date when the cost of materials is lower. With regard to the route chosen for the trams, he considered it absolutely absurd, and' had never looked upon the Main Street route as the final settlement of the route question. It was not the route that was used by the average citizen living the far end of the town, and most people thought the route question should be further considered. He thought it would be veryunwise to proceed with the tram scheme at once, and the lighting and power should have first consideration. Mr J. Cunninghame expressed himself in similar terms. He drew attention to the urgent necessity for good streets as one of the primary needs of the town. The trams could be considered later when the cost was less excessive. Mr J. M. Johnston was of the opinion that the whole thing must be exposed so as to show exactly what was wanted and the Mayor should put all the cards on the table in bringing the matter before the ratepayers. and not try to hoodwink the borough. Personally, he thought there could be no question that the coming thing was concrete roads, and an electric bus service as being the most economical and advantageous. The roads had to be re-made whatever form of traction was installed. Councillors Crabb and Eliott were to be congratulated on the stand they had taken in the matter. The two proposals should not be mixed up; lie quite agreed with Cr. Crabb on that point. With regard to the cost of materials, he pointed out that within the past week there had been a very heavy increase in the price of iron, and it would probably continue to go up. Ho considered it would be absolutely foolish to consider the question of trams at the present time. That should be postponed, and a modified bus service should be introduced until such time as trams could be procured at a reasonable cost, if the ratepayers then wanted them. Mr N. Sinclair, another member of the Progressive League, said that while he always was and always would be a supporter of trams, if they were going to cost an excessive price they should not be gone on with at present, and the matter would have to be carefully thought over. If the trams could Pfe procured at a reasonable price, he was sure they would justify their existence eventually. Mr L. H. Collinson said he was strongly in favour of getting the lighling and power scheme going first. The other part of the proposals could be considered later when prices came down. Tf it was his money, that was what he would do as a business man. He also urged the necessity for proceeding fm mediately with thclaying down of good streets as that, with the lighting and power proposals, was the most pressing matter at the moment.