THE SPEED OF THE TRAMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12282, 28 May 1903, Page 7

THE SPEED OF THE TRAMS.

TO TEE EDITOR. Sir,—A citizen of many years' standing, it affords me not a little gratification to see the inauguration of our eleetri'o tram system. I have to a very considerable extent patronised these trams from the date of their inception, and have carefully noted, when occasion seemed to warrant such a course, the speed at which the ear 3 wore being driven; and I may say that the means at my disposal render useless any question as to the accuracy cf my statements. I have. no* been travelling upon any of the occasions when accidents resulting fatally, attended by individual damage short cf loss of life, or when destruction of property have taken place; but, knowing as I do the speed usually reached on certain sections of the line, I cannot but treat with derision the s-worn statements at inquests (given, I doubt not, in good faith) of drivers and conductors. I havo taken the following speeds at various tjmes:—Queen-street (early morning), 13 miles per hour. Throughout the day— fceson-street (accident here), 25 miles; along Jervois Rend, 25 miles; Hobson-street (down), 27 wiles; Khyber Pass (accident here a few Saturdays ago), over SO miles: Symondsstreet, 18 miles; Parnell circuit Beach Road (accident here), 18j miles: Ponsonby Road (reservoir to lamps), 17 miles. These times have been accurately taken, and are actual running on certain portions of the several sections, between stoppages. Of course it is very nice to fool that as a passenger one is flying through the streets on the wings of electricity to see one's best girl; or that the toast will bo no more than done to a turn at evening dinner; and' how exceedingly nice if the Rev. Mr. Gillam's ideas for a mutual understanding between the company and churches for Sunday trams could but come about, and enable us all to attend our respective churches, carried thither at; any rate of speed from six to 30 miles an hour. Now that we arc awakened to a senso of the need oi travelling are we to " go the whole hog," and travel " hell for leather," a* the saying is, without regard to the lives and property of others? It appears a.= if we have gone from one extreme to the other. Lot any of your readers take a .stand commanding any of the known " scorching sections"—there is no mistaking themand he will see some fun. Clang, bang, bang, goes? the warning gong (the devil".; own row, with the motor, needless to remark, is alwnys in evidence), and away she goes to make up time, while hither and thither divide (lie traffic, with the same precision as divides the do b a flock of sheep or fowl?; and net it all unlike the conduct of any Easterns who scatter upon hearing the cry, " A-mcak ! a-moak!" How comes it that the rate oi speed is allowed'? The ordinary, common, now almoLt discarded means of transit, the 'bus and cab, in fact all vehicles, are limited to a speed not exceeding six miles a;: hour, while there, appears to be no regulation affecting the trams. Whose fault is it, or is anyone to blame that no by-laws oi regulations have been made? It would appear that the company is endeavouring to make one car dc the'ordinary running of two. At any /ate, in no other city in the world is such a rate of speed permitted as here. B.> all means let us progress, hut let ti3 do so in a fail and rational manner, rendering unecessary some gra\v> accident, the only outcome assured us should we permit a continuance of the present suicidal and homicidal disregard of ordinary precautionary measures. It does seem that at present the company courts disaster, and the civic authorities are cither willingly blind to their responsibility, or the permanent corporation officers lack that energy or ability characteristic ir kindred, officials at home and in America. It must be remembered that the company has merely been licensed to use certain portions of the road, but seems to have fallen into the delusion that it has obtained leasehold powers or concessions vvith the absolute right of way at all times, unrestricted as to speed or the public convenience or safety.— I am, etc., Pro Bono Publico.