EXPERIENCE ABROAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19150, 16 October 1925, Page 12

EXPERIENCE ABROAD.

CITY COUNCIL OFFICIALS. SIX MONTHS' FOREIGN TOUR. MR. BR [CHAM AND MR. FORD. The town clerk of Auckland and the manager of the municipal tramways arc to be sent abroad next year, each for a period of six months, to observe and gain the latest information on methods affecting their departments. This course was approved by the City Council at its meeting last evening, 'I he Tramways Committee recommended that the manager of the city corporation tramways, Mr. A. E. Ford, proceed to Canada, United States and Europe for the purpose of obtaining first-hand information regarding present day methods of city and suburban passenger transport. If. was suggested that he leave Auckland in February of next year and return in August or September, the adjustment of management during Mr. Ford's absence to be left i.u the hands of the committee. After it had been moved that the recommendation be a-dojfted, Mr. S. I. Crookes moved as an amendment that the proposal be deferred for 12 months. He said be was in favour of the principle of the council's important officers going abroad as he thought the policy a sound one. They would, however, bo considering the question of the town clerk's departure on a similar mission, and it would not bo wise to have two officers away at the same time. Another reason was that while tho town clerk was away he could collect documentary evidence which Mr. Ford could study before leaving New Zealand, _ The speaker said he thought the question of competition between buses and the tramway system would be nearer a settlement 12 months hence, so that, if he went away in the meantime, he would leave the matter in a state of flux, and the council would not get the benefit from the trip that would be the case a year later. This was seconded by Mr. C. F. Bennett, who agreed with the mover and said oe felt that 12 months hence the atmosphere with regard to transport would bo a little clearer. Mr. A. J. Entrican supported the committee's recommendation, and said that municipalities were "up against it" in the transportation business and would have to have legislation. In this connection the information that Mr. Ford would secure would prove extremely valuable .in placing evidence before Parliamentary committees. The chairman of the Tramways Committee, Mr. A. Thompson, said it was essential that the officer in charge of the large transport system should have the opportunity of getting first-hand information in the large centres so as to be in a position to advise the committee. He mentioned that there was the possibility that the committee would in the future be called upon to consider extensions and the provision of additional trams and buses, and they could not go to the ratepayers without being in possession of the latest information. After some further discussion Mr. Crookes' .amendment was defeated, whereupon he moved a further amendment that the matter go back to the committee for further consideration. This was also defeated and the committee's recommendation was adopted. The Finance and Legal Committee recommended that the chief administrative officer and town clerk, Mr. J. S. Brigham, be instructed on behalf of the council to visit Australia, Europe and America for a period of six months, immediately following the completion of the annual balance-sheet and accounts and estimates about April, 1926, with the object of securing full and up-to-date information as to municipal management and activities. It was also suggested that he be furnished with credentials under the seal of the council.