TAKAPUNA TEAMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18041, 16 March 1922, Page 7

TAKAPUNA TEAMS.

THE QUESTION OF FARES.

COMPANY AND COUNCIL

COUNTER PROPOSALS REJECTED.

The Takapuna Borough Council last evening received a letter from the Takapuna Tramways and Ferry Company in reply to the council's rejection of the company's proposals for a revision of the Takapuna tram fares. The company rejected the council's counter proposals involving the recommendations of the Takapuna Tramways Commission as a basis for trial.

The directors of the company reiterated the claims already advanced by them during the progress of the recent negotiations between the council and the company. Regarding the council's opinion that the company's proposed new scale appeared to be far in excess of what was justified by the company's present position, past returns and prospects, the letter repeated the assertions that if the new scale were adopted the anticipated revenue would be barely sufficient to pay a 5 per cent, dividend. Regarding the council's proposal that the Takapuna Tramways Commission's recommendations should be given a trial, the letter described the findings as being " completely discredited, comprising many extraordinary considera* tions, and involving, as it eventually would, a heavy loss upon the year's running." In no circumstances would the company agree to its adoption. It would be possible, continued the letter, in case the council had any fears as to the operation of the company's proposal, for the amending order to remain in operation for about two years, and in default of agreement at the end of the first year the present scale would automatically revive at the end of two years. In conclusion, the company addressed a number of questions to the council and suggested the reopening of negotiations by the appointment of a committee to meet the directors of the company in conference.

Mr. T. B. Arthur said the company entirely ignored the fact that its proposed scalo would fall very heavily on the casual resident traveller.

The Mayor, Mr. A. M. Gould, said all the matters mentioned in the reply had been given careful consideration Wore the council came to its decision. On his motion the letter was referred to the Finance and Legal Committee for the drafting of a reply.