HEAVY TRAM TRAFFIC

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22980, 7 March 1938, Page 13

HEAVY TRAM TRAFFIC

LIKE CHRISTMAS WEEK GOOD NATURE OF CROWDS Traffic carried by the tramways service in Auckland last week almost equalled that of Christmas week, according to a statement made last night by the general manager of the Auckland Transport Board, Mr. A. E. Ford. This heavy increase in the normal traffic was the result of the Catholic Centenary celebrations, which made necessary additions to the time-tables and threw a considerable strain on the service, as the increases were crowded into definite peak periods. " The greatest praise is due to the tram drivers, conductors and inspectors and particularly to the traffic inspector and his office staff, who were responsible for all the working arrangements necessary to cope with the traffic," said Mr. Ford. " The receipts for the week closely approximate to those for Christmas week, while the strain on the service was even greater, as on this occasion the traffic had to be met in peak loads, more so than at Christmas." Traincars took 11!) loads of people to the Western Springs Stadium on Saturday night for the play "Credo." and brought 120 loads back to the city. Mr. Ford also paid a tribute to the patience and good nature of the crowds and to the co-ordination between the City Council traffic officers and the tramways service. In spite of the heavy traffic and congestion at certain periods, not a single accident occurred.