LOWER TRAM FARES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18692, 24 April 1924, Page 9

LOWER TRAM FARES.

POSSIBLE AT EOT) OF 1924. YEAR'S SURPLUS OF £11,319. OVER 55,000,000 PASSENGERS. INJURIOUS COMPETITION. The prospect of lower tram fares after the end of this year was announced by the Mayor in a j statement to the City Council last evening. This is conditional on the estimate being realised in the meantime, and in this connection Mr. Gunson referred to the wasteful competition of motor-buses. Last year, 55,115,429 were carried, showing an increase of 5,157,464 over the previous year, which is equivalent to 10.07 per cent. The services amounted to 4,961,266 car miles, showing an increase of 652,624 miles or 15.14 per cent. Revenue per car mile was 28.42 d, a decrease of 1.45 d, while the average fare per passenger was 2.55 d, as against 2.52 d in the previous year The accounts show revenue amounting to £587,655 lis Bd, and expenditure totalling £462,580 7s 6d (power, £80,317 4s 2d; traffic, £195,517 6s 4d; repairs and maintenance, £170,518 14s 9d; administration, £16.627 2s 3d), leaving a gross profit of £125,075 4s 2d. Interest and sinking fund and other charges absorbed £113,756 4s lid, leaving a net surplus of £11,318 19s 3d. Estimates for the current year forecast a nat surplus of £10,724. Public and Private Interests. Reviewing the position, the Mayor said the estimated surplus was dependent upon the maintenance of receipts, and Upon the expenditure being within the estimates. " There will be no doubt about the maintenance of the receipts and the continued efficiency and success of the tramway service if the public will duly regard the fact that the system operates for their service and benefit," said Mr. Gunson. " Just to the extent that the public patronise the motor-buses of private concerns, as opposition to their tramways, to that degree will they lessen the council s ability to give them a good and cheap service. The private operation of motorbuses, if supported to tiny appreciable degree, can only lead to financial loss in wasteful competition and higher running costs of the tramways and the impairment of a _ splendid, _ and sufficient service which, citizens should remember is their own property, and which, in loyalty to the city and to their own interests as ratepayers, should b» solidly supported. All ratepayers should be alive to their responsibility. The debenture-holders will have to be duly paid, and in the meantime interest and sinking fund duly met. If the public support their council, the system and the finances thereof will continue to be sound and secure. It should not be necessary to say more." Mr. Gunson added that the council was purchasing ten buses, which would be on the road about next September. They would be operated, not in conflict, but in co-operation, with the tramways. further Extensions. A statement was submitted of proposed capital works, for which finance to the extent of £432,563 had been provided, including a loan of £280,000 not yet issued. In addition to balance of payments on works completed, the authorised proframme comprises:—Remuera duplication, 7100; Edendale Road extension and six cars (balance), £66,794; magnetic control tower, Queen Street, £2000; new depot, Gaunt Street, and approach from main line (balance), £75,000; 10 cars (186 to 195), £35,000; 10 motor-omnibuses, £20,000; oil store, Mt. Roskill, £1600. Excluding the depot and control tower these works will bo completed by March, 1925.

Authorisation is required and decision as to the Order of undertaking in respect of the following:—Three magnetic point controls, £6000; Mt. Roskill workshops for maintaining and overhauling cars, £17,602; Mt. Roskill workshops and plant for building cars, £12,000; Mt. Eden extension to Boundary Road, 62 chains double track, £23,000; Dominion Road extension to Princes Avenue, 61 chains double track, £25,000; Point Chevalier extension to Mental Hospital, 140 chains double track, £54,300; Remuera extension to city boundary, 91 chains double track, £23,000; Heme Bay duplication, depot to terminus, £7000; new plant, £3000. High Standard of Efficiency. Concluding his statement, Mr. Gunson said:"The policy of the administration since the system was acquired in 1919 has been designed to give to the public an adequate and efficient service. This object is costing time, money, and great supervisory and managerial energy and ability. The public may be confidently assured that the system is steadily reaching the degree of efficiency designed for it, and providing the council adheres to its maintenance policy this year and that the estimates for the first nine months are realised, they may also be assured that further concessions off the cost of tramway travelling should be financially justified, and will be definitely considered, at the end of 1924." Acknowledgment was made of the splendid response of the men as a whole of the tramway service to the requirements of the council and of their efficient service to the public.