TRAMWAY MATTERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13709, 27 March 1908, Page 6

TRAMWAY MATTERS.

CITY COUNCIL'S ATTITUDE.

REPLY TO MAYOR OF PARNELL

"OLDEST AND SLOWEST"

BOROUGH

In the Works Committee's report, submitted to last night's meeting of the City Council, a letter directed by tin-' city solicitor to the Auckland Electric Tramways Company, requiring payment- of penalty under the deed of delegation, amounting to the sum of £480, was mentioned. . The company's reply, dated the 15th inst., asked to be allowed until May 12 to put the matter before their London office. The committee attached the following terse statement for the consideration of the Council:—"Declined; the city solicitor to proceed forthwith." Mr. C. d. Parr related the steps leading up to the issue of the writ on the company, in the shape of penalties for not having adhered to the terms of the deed of delegation. He believed the- writ would issue, and the matter would come on at the next civil sittings of the Supreme Court. In that morning's paper be noticed that an attack had been made on the Council in reference to this matter by the Mayor of Parnell. He had read the remarks with no little astonishment. Mr.\Basley, it appeared, blamed the City Council for,the mishaps and misfortunes of the Parnell service. Now, Parnell had its own deed of delegation, and should be able to look after itself. The whole tiling was a magnificent, argument for Greater Auckland. He resented the remark that the company could do what it liked with the City Council. 'J his was untrue, and absolutely contemptible. "Let mo tell Mr. Basky," continued Mr. Purr with some heat,, " that the writ lias been issued and will come on. What has Parnell done to help the city to get the company to 'toe the mark?' The city has compelled the company .to increase the number of cars running, by 30, by its persistent attitude in the matter. The City Council has also enforced penalties amounting to £320." A considerable number of new cars, continued the speaker, were being put on. Mr. Parr concluded with a quotation from an article by the Rev. W. Slade, on " Auckland Revisited," recently published in the Otago Daily Times, and which contained the following:—"Under the. guidance of the very able Mayor of the city,"the Council is moving forward to the great drainage scheme recommended by Mr. Midgely Taylor, but before that can be carried -out it will bo necessary to secure the co-operation of the suburban boroughs; and, as usual, it is the most backward places which are hardest to persuade into" the breadth of view and courage which must go to the execution of great enterprises. fjnprogressire Pamell, the oldest and slowest of Auckland boroughs, seems disposed to play the part of Little Peddlington. (Laughter.) The reports of the Parnell Council meetings suggest the level of an English, village vestry, and recall the days of Bumble." (Renewed laughter.) , The committee's recommendation was approved. It was also decided to give 60 days' notice to the company in which to bring their premises, plant, machinery, and cars, up to the required state of efficiency. Mr. Parr, upon whose motion it was so decided, stated that tlie writ about to be issued was aimed at the shortage of cars, while this notice would prepare the way for a further one regarding the shortage of power. The committee was now Satisfied; after examination, that the power station was not up to the mark, and hoped that this would bring about a remedy. '