AUCKLAND 'TRAMWAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18235, 31 October 1922, Page 8

AUCKLAND 'TRAMWAYS.

NEW DEPOT IN THE CITY.

SITE AT FREEMAN'S BAY.

EXPANSION OF THE SERVICE

The lease of a largo area of iand at Freeman's Bay reclamation has been secured from the Harbour Board by the City Council for establishing an extensive and a well-equipped depot for the new tramway cars. The work of construction will be put in hand at an early date. It was explained by the Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunson, yesterday, that this area was part of block 8 of Freeman's Bay reclamation, and comprised nearly five acres. Tho land was required for the construction of a city tramway depot, as an essential factor in the extension of tho tramways system to cope with the increasing needs of the traffic. This depot would bo approached j by a tramlino along Fanshawo Street, formerly Customs Street West, or a line may be taken in from Patteson Street —a matter that had yet to be decided. Tho sito was just off Halsoy Street tit the southern end of tho reclamation, and would meet the needs of tho service for many years to come. It was also mentioned by tho Mayor that tho manager of tho tramways, Mr. A, E. Ford, had emphasised to the council the fact that the establishment of this city depot would mean a great saving in dead mileage. In many ways the depot would facilitate the late afternoon traffic, and promote other economical improvements. Work on the new depot would be commenced almost immediately, but only the first instalment of tho scheme would ,at present be put in hand. The Ponsonby and Epsom depots would still be used to their full extent, added Mr. Gunson. Tho 10 new cars which would come into commission next year for servico on the Great South Rx>ad extension, and other cars for later extensions, could be provided for at the now depot, thus relieving the strain upon the existing overtaxed depots. In addition, considerable improvements at tho Ponsonby and Epsom depots were under the consideration of the committee, these improvements being designed to increase the facilities for the employees. Conditions were now totally inadequate for tho present dimensions of tho servico and staff. Tho chairman of the Tramways Committee, Mr. G. R. Hutchinson, washing very fully into the question of traffic improvements with tho manager, and tho committee at an early date should bo in a position to submit to tho conned advice as to further changes in respect of several important matters.