TRAM CENTRE POLES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21086, 21 January 1932, Page 8

TRAM CENTRE POLES.

: v • • - • - removal in queen street. COMMENCEMENT OF WORK. COMPLETION BY EASTER. Preliminary work in connection with the removal of the tramway centre poles in Queen Street, between Customs Street and Wellesley Street, has been commenced by the Auckland Transport Board. The task is being undertaken by the board s maintenance staff, and it is expected it will be completed before taster. Yesterday workmer. were busy preparing for the suspension of overhead span wires between some of the buildings facing the poles. In all 32 buildings will carry overhead gear, and ai 1 angements with the owners of these buildings have been completed. When the overhead work is finished attention will be given to the removal of the poles. A of 16 poles will be removed. It is not intended to take out the massive poles at the Customs Street and Wellesley Street intersections owing to the complicated problems involved in arranging for the support of the wire s at these points. The removal of the poles would involve the erection of eight poles, four at each intersection. The policy of the board in removing the centre poles from the principal traffic streets is being carried out steadily. Last year poles were removed from Parnell Uise and in portions of Pitt Street and Symonds Street. When the present work is completed the whole length of Queen Street will be free from poles. "The principal advantage that can b« claimed for overhead wires is the improved appearance of the streets," said Mr. A. E. Ford, manager of the board, last evening. "On the other hand, it is stated that the poles are a help to pedestrians in crossing the street. Possibly motorists will find it necessary to exercise greater care."