TAKAPUNA TRANSIT SERVICES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19320, 6 May 1926, Page 7

TAKAPUNA TRANSIT SERVICES.

Sir,—On the transit question the Takapuna people are divided—one party supporting petrol-driven buses, the other favouring electric trams to repLace steam service. ° At the present time when shipping is normal per-rol can be imported under the most favourable circumstances, making buses popular. But what will become of the buses should the supply of petrol be cut off by war or other unforsoen circumstances ? They would be little better than scrap-iron so far as transport facilities are concerned and the people of Takapuna dependent on them would be isolated. On the other hand electricity generated in New Zealand can supply all requirements at any and for all time, making us independent of American benzine and saving thousands of pounds of good British money going out of the country. It is true that buses are beating electric trams in other towns, but the position of Takapuna makes it distinct from these, from a safety point of view and otherwise. There is a peak load from Takapuna to Auckland in the morning and a peak load return journey in the evening when traffic with buses becomes congested. To carry these loads a huge fleet of buses would be required—the buses as packed on these occasions being death-traps in themselves should fires break out. Travelling two abreast as they sometimes do, even now they are a grave source of danger to the travelling public in front of them. On the other hand an electric tram travels on a much narrower front, drawing its load in length on a fixed line, leaving the other part of the road clear. It gives a cheap, sale and speedy service, and fares can be definitely fixed, instead of fluctuating to correspond with the ever-changing price of benzine. Ratepayers should also bear in mind that the tramway company has paid for the construction and maintenance of that portion of the road used by it, saving tho ratepayers thousands of pounds, while as the result of wear and tear the Devonport buses in one year alone cost the council the greater part of £7OOO to keep the main road in repair and the council got nothing in return. To my mind it is all a question of loyalty to ourselves. Why should we .send out of the country thousands of pounds for benzine when we have a permanent supply of electricity at our doors. We should also be loyal to our own people where employment, is concerned. Tho tramway company is locally run and it employs ratepayers and residents of Takapuna, who spend their money in the district, supporting our own shopkeopers; but as a result of the hostility of outsiders, aided by a number of residents, a large number cf these workmen with families have been dismissed, swefting the number of unemployed. within the borough With winter ahead. We should be true to ourselves and support our own people and businesses and not assist to make Takapuna the back-door of Devonport, as some of our outside friends would like us to. But they are loyal to their own districts and we "cannot blame them for looking after number one. It should be noted, however. that while outsiders are attempting to lull the Takapuna people into a sense of false security and telling them how to manage their affairs, Devonport residents, commend ably true to their own town, are feverishly agitating for a new wharf. Of course it is only a coincidence that the construction of" the new wharf at Bays-water—-Takapuna's natural outlet—is well under way, and being much closer to Auckland and having easier grades and a concrete road to Takapuna, must appeal most to motorists and the travelling public. The claims of Takapuna to a vehicular ferry are well grounded and it behoves Takapuna residents to pull together to support their own interests and not let the wool pulled ovar their eyes. To my mind electric trams cooperating with buses would solve the transit problem for all ti.ra.ei. Aues. H. WtLKm Councillor, Takaptina Borongh.