OUR TRAMWAYS PROBLEM

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4305, 14 March 1901, Page 5

OUR TRAMWAYS PROBLEM

i WHAT THE CITY ENGINEER MAY ' PROPOSE. ; SCHEME TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL TO-NIGHT. I BIG EXPENDITURE INEVITABLE. It is expected that the City Engineer’s scheme for establishing a system of electric tram traction in Wellington will be brought down at to-night’s meeting of the City Council. Mr Rounthwaite nas had the matter under his consideration for a long time, and bis report will probably be of a voluminous character. Members of the Tramway Committee have also been busy discussing details and have no doubt lent valuable aid in framing the report. The City Engineer will probably propose that a double line of rails should be run through the principal streets of lbs city where the horse trams at present run, and that the system should be extended in various directions. There have been suggestions that a main (fast) line of trams should be brought from the Manawatu Railway Station along Jervois quay, and go through Newtown and out to Island Bay, with feeders from the principal streets, but it is understood this idea is not considered practicable. The Tramway Committee is evidently of opinion that the main lines' must be taken where the public most wants them, and that sufficient speed will be obtained by arranging for a double line in the manner indicated.

The intention is, however, to extend the present system to Island Bay, bo Oriental Bay, to Thorndon (via Alolosworth street and Tinakori road), to Upper Willis street, and from thence via Abel Smith street (or some other thoroughfare) to Taranaki street and Vivian street.

It. is proposed to establish municipal electrical works to provide a current tor the different power stations instead of acquiring the New Zealand Electrical Syndicate’s plant, as at first suggested. The feeling is that so large an amount of power will be required that the syndicate’s plant would not be able to cope with the demands made upon it by an electric tram system. The cost of the electric tramway undertaking will of course be very great, running, possibly, into something over a couple of hundred thousands of pounds, but the testimony as to the popular and remunerative character of electric trams should not cause this to be regarded as an impossible expenditure. The money might easily be raised in the colony, and if cool-brained investors are not frigidened to risk their capital, surely local ratepayers need not be timorous. It is plain that the matter will have to bo faced, and if experts estimate the probable cost to be the figure indicated, then that amount will have to be provided—if not cheerfully, then as cheerfully as may be.

Details will no doubt be furnished at to-night’s meeting which will assist payers in coming to a decision upon this important question. It is understood that, having the whole of the details’ at command, the Council will not hesitate in coming immediately Before the public with specific proposals in regard, to the matter. Therd is to be .none of that delay in regard to the tramways that has characterised other municipal projects. The whole problem is to be placed l sharply before the ratepayers for their “Aye” or "Nay,” and cut of their hands will; come the verdict immediately. S