OTAHUHUS NEEDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15849, 20 February 1915, Page 5

OTAHUHUS NEEDS.

TRAM SERVICE TO CITY. ALONG GREAT SOUTH ROAD. With the idea of furthering the project of an extension of the tramway system to Otahuhu, a deputation from the Otahuhu Borough Council yesterday morning waited Tip Mr. J. J. Walk] ate. manager of the Auckland Electric Tramways Company. Mr. Paul Hansen, one of the local directors, was also present. The members of the deputation were Mr. H. J. Hall, Deputy-Mayor of Otahuhu, Mr. R. L. Absolum, Mr. J. Wilson, and Mr W. J. O'Hara, all members of the Otahuhu Borough Council, in addition to Mr. I. Wymer, chairman of the Mount Wellington Road Board. In explaining the project, Mr. Hall said that the desired extension of 'he tramway system would benefit the 2000 inhabitants of Otahuhu and some 3000 more people living in the neighbouring districts. The freezing works in the district, employing 500 men, the new railway workshops at Penrose, and such districts as East Tamaki. Papatoetoe, and ilangcre East would be served by the tramway extension, in addition to the progressive suburb of Otahuhu itself. Mr. Hall also pointed out that before long the Remuera Road Board would cease to exist, and that, therefore, the extension along the Great South Road to the Harp of Erin could be accomplished without objection being made. Besides which the population along the main road from the Harp of Erin was rapidly increasing, it being in this district that a number of workers' homes were beinc erected. From the Harp of Erin to Otahuhu would be about four and a-half miles, and the I extension would be one which, in the opinion of the. deputation, could be undertaken with profit. Whilst promising that he would give the scheme his careful consideration and that he would submit it to the London directors of the company, Mr. Walklate said that the present time could hardly be regarded as favourable for costly extensions.