NEW TRAMWAY POLICY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19718, 18 August 1927, Page 12

NEW TRAMWAY POLICY.

Sir, —In his former letter Mr. Bfoodworth said two things. First; That the new tramway proposals are made "with regard only to the city ratepayer." Second: "That no protection is given to ttfe city ratepayer.'' Which side of the argument is he on ? He also said that the new proposals impose an added burden on the workers. Now he admits that no increase is made in workers* tickets. He is in equal difficulty to justify his former statement that the new proposals are made "not with regard to tram users over three or more sections," as he is unable to controvert the fact that the new cash charge over three straight sections is 3d in lieu of 4d, and over three sections involving transfers, new charge 3d as against 6d to-day. *M£., Bloodworth continues to base his whole objection on an uneconomic concession rate, failing to appreciate that in business logic this would ultimately ruin not only, the " workers* " concession, but the whole system. Regarding his reference to land values, I am amazed at -Mr. Blood worth suggesting that the tramways should lose money on concession tickets to bolster up land speculation. It would be saner to" apply a betterment contribution to the trams. But where Mr. Bloodworth crashes most is in his statement that the new proposals place an added burden on the workers. Only 30 per cent, of tram travellers use concession tickets. The other 70 per cent, have no added burdens imposed. At least to them the penny fare will acutally sjive thousands of pounds. Will Mr. Bloodworth say this 70 per cent, are not workers ? II he does he will be laughed at. The tram returns are illuminating. Of total users 39. per cent, are one section travellers, 30 per cent, two sections, 18 per cent, three sections, only 3 per cent, four sections, and 3 per cent, five sections. And 70 per cent, of the total pay cash fares. Mr. Bloodworth says it is useless my trying to show that the new policy does not impose heavier burdens upon the ."workers." The fact is that the new policy giving liberal concessions to at least 70 per cent, of total tram users in Auckland must convince any reasonable man of its consideration for the main . body of workers, i.e., the great majority of the people. A. J. Staixwokthy.