LOCAL TEAM SERVICES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16590, 13 July 1917, Page 7

LOCAL TEAM SERVICES

IMPROVEMENTS WANTED.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION.

I A discussion- regarding the Auckland tram services took place at last nighCs meeting of the City Council. Complaints in connection with the Oneliunga services were referred to in the report of the Public Services Committee That committee, it stated, had been waited upon by a deputation from the Onehunga Borough Council, which drew attention to the lack of cars during the evening rush; the necessitv for side destination signs being exhibited to enable passengers to board cars or inward journeys, so as to secure seats on outward trips, cars being at present all labelled City, and tine outward destination being unknown; also the crowding out of long-distance by short distance-passengers. A minimum fare of 3d for rush hours'was suggested. The Mayor of Oneh«nga, -Mr. J. J. Boyd, agreed that the solution of the trouble lay in the restoration of control to the council. A member of the deputation further suggested a controlling body formed by the Citv Council and a representative from each local body concerned. The same committee reported having conferred, on July 4 last, with representatives of the various local bodies, and. that tho following resolution had been carried : —" That a deputation of the mayors and chairmen of the local bodies, or. if the Mayor or chairman be not available, a representative, wait upon the general manager of the Tramways Company, with a view to an increase in the number of cars at rush hours, improvement in the suburban services, and through cars." Mr. A. Hall Skelton said the main pointraised at the conference was that the Tramways Company was running an insufficient number of cars. A report from the traffic inspector showed that on one day recently, when a count was taken. 102 cars were out. whereas there should have been 158. The company had also insufficient motormen, and what he termed "a rubbishy lot of rolling-stock." Mr. W. J. Hoklsworth said there were differences of opinion at the conference. Some thought the service was a splendid one, others that it was a disgrace. He noticed that those who were satisfied with the service were the people who drove home in their own motor-cars. Mr. E. Davis expressed the opinion that a better type of car was needed. The Auckland cars were not as good as those in other cities. Even if' the council owned the cars, however, there would be breakdowns. He did not think the company failing to give the public a good run. He could not see that the company would hold back cars to prevent the public using them. That would not be business.

Mr. F. W. Brinsden agreed that there were not enough cars. Suburban residents were suffering inconvenience from this cause.

The committee's reports were adopted