WATERFRONT ROAD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22900, 1 December 1937, Page 16

WATERFRONT ROAD

TROLLEY BUS ROUTE RUINING SCENIC ASSET STRONG OPPOSITION PREDICTED Strong opposition to tlio suggestion that trolley buses might be used on the waterfront road was predicted yesterday by Mr. l'\ G. Farrell, president of tho Automobile xYssociation (Auckland). "The waterfront road is a scenic drive and a wonderful asset to Auckland," Mr. Farrell said. "Trees have been planted to enhance its beauty, and its charm is the pride of our citizens. I am sure that the public would regard it as a sacrilege to disfigure the waterside with overhead wires and their accompanying forest of poles." Mr. Farrell also said that the reference at the meeting of tho Transport Board on Monday to the suitability of trolley buses for the St. Heliers Bay district, probably was merely a general statement, made without any definite consideration of the detrimental effects of such a system on tho scenic attractions of any particular route. He added that lie considered the protection of tho natural attractions of tho waterfront was a matter of vital importance to the city and ono that would bo jealously watched by tho association. The question will bo referred to tho council of tho association at its monthly meeting next week. The chairman of the association's scrvico committee, Mr. H. J. Butcher, recalled trouble which arose in an English town when it is proposed to replace the transportation system of petrol buses and electric trams with trolley buses. No objection was raised to the proposal—in fact, the trolley buses were regarded as an improvement, except in a tourist locality which embraced an ancient priory church, historic landmarks and old buildings. Previously, oven electric trams had been excluded from this area, which had been served only by petrol buses. The opposition to tho disfigurement of overhead wires and polos was so strong that no change was made in this particular area, although trolley buses were installed elsewhere.