AUCKLAND TRAMWAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13875, 8 October 1908, Page 6

AUCKLAND TRAMWAYS.

A GOVERNMENT STATEMENT. [BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Wednesday. The following question was put to the Minister for Public Works (Hon. W. HallJones) to-day by Mr. Poole: "Seeing: that the finding of the Brake Commission on the Auckland Electric Tramways' rolling stock was to th© effect that the existing brakes areyiot sufficiently powerful or quick in their action for use in emergencies, and the Nov, magnet combined track and wheel brake is a .suitable 0110 for use onj steep grades, such as those on the Auckland tramways, and seeing that hundreds of thousands of passengers are each month carried on the steep grades in Auckland on cars that are fitted with, an admittedly insufficient emergency brake, what steps do the Government intend to take to give effect to the finding of tilie commission, so that'uneasiness in the. minds of the Auckland travelling public may be relieved?" The reply was as follows: —•" The. Auckland Tramways Company lias been furnished with a copy of the commission's report, and has been requested to immediately have the present brakes put into efficient repair, and to take the requisite steps (after detail drawings have been submitted to and approved by the Engineer-in-01tief) to have an entirely new and more efficient brake system installed on all "tie cars as early as possible. They have also been requested to remedy all the other matters on which tlie commission commented adversely. The general, manager of the company replied on the kifath ult., intimating that the matter was receiving careful consideration, and that he would write further on the subject at on early date. If the company does not oomply with the requisitions within a reasonable time the Government will take further steps in the matter." Mr. Poole said lie understood that it had been reported in Auckland that the findings of th© commission were looked upon as a more matter of form, and that it was unlikely that any steps would! be taken! to give effect to the. report. The answer given to his question by the Minister was therefore very gratifying, affording as it did an evidence of the Government's intention to have effect given to the recommendations! of the commission.