THE ELECTRIC TRAMWAY SCHEME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10008, 20 December 1895, Page 6

THE ELECTRIC TRAMWAY SCHEME.

A DEVIATION PROPOSED.

A LETTER from Mr. James Stewart, the representative of the London Exploration Company, which proposes to run electric tram-cars within the city, >vas considered at the meeting ot the City Council last night. The letter requested permission to make a deviation from the authorised route to i'onsonby via Customs-street and Freemrn's Kay. Mr. Stewart urged that the levels and the width, as well as the nature of the trallic in Customs-street West, made that street unsuitable to carry a tramway line. He therefore asked that a deviation taking the line up Hobson-street and down Victoriastreet West into Free-man's Buy be sanctioned and approved bv the Council. The Mayor (Mr. .J. J. Holland) said he Ind gone over the place with the engineer. Two suggestions had been made for the proposed deviation, namely, Nelson-street and Hobsnnstreet, but Hobsonstrect was in every way the best. A tram-line along Customs-street would not be safe, in view of the nature of the traffic in that part of the city. The deviation would not in any way interfere with the Wellesley-fltreet line, lie moved that the proposed deviation be approved. Mr. Llhw.son thought the matter should be referred to the ward members. He did not think it was any advantage to have a tram liue in front of one's door.

Mr. Cairn's, as one of the Ward members, thought the suggested deviation was a proper one and should be made. Mr. Coortn'KY seconded the Mayor's motion, The deviation would take the line through the centre of population. Mr. Gakkatt hoped this was to be a busiuess transaction and that tho Council would see that it was carried out. To have a fair understanding with the company the Council's solicitor should be consulted before any action was taken. Sir. Hkwson said he did not wish to throw any obstacle in the way of the deviation but he felt compelled to move an amendment that the matter be referred to the Streets Committee.

Mr. TnousK wanted to know the exact party with whom the Council was dealing in this matter. Were they dealing with Mr. Stewart directly, or with some syndicate in London ?

Mr. Stewart, who was present, stated that he had power of attorney from the agents of the Rothschilds. Mr. Tiioksk said he would support no concession until he had definite information upon this point. Mr. Farrkli. also thought they should deal with principals only. Mr. Patterson thought that the deviation would be an advantage to the city. The Council did not stand to lose anything even if the company Mr. Stewart represented did nothing. Mr. Theswith thought 110 harm could come of approving of tho deviation, It would commit the Council to nothing. Mr. lUume said the question was not ono of entering into the contract. That had been disposed of. They had decided to enter into the contract, subject to the approval of the Council's solicitor. This was not the time to discuss the policy of the matter.

The Mayor thought there was no necessity of referring the matter to any committee. The position would be in no way prejudiced by grunting the application. The refusal was simply putting an obstacle in the way of city improvements. The amendment referring the application to the Streets Committee was carried.