ANOTHER TRAMWAY TROUBLE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 5293, 3 June 1904, Page 7

ANOTHER TRAMWAY TROUBLE.

INTERFERENCE BY THE GOVERNMENT. THE SHELTER-SHEDS AGAIN. In connection with tho construction of tbo electric tramway track in Wellington, tho path of those immediately concerned has been as rough as tho thoroughfares of tho city, and the end of tho weary task is not yet- Only a few days ago a start was made to link tho linos which on ono side cf tho Queen’s Wharf had been completed as far as Loviu and Co.’s building, in Customhouse quay, and on tho other up to the Queen’s Chambers in Jorvois quay. Yesterday this portion of tho track-laying work received a check—this time Irom tho Government. As tho result of an inspection yesterday morning of tho proposed track between Panama street and tho central approach to tho Queen's Wharf, Mr R. IV. Holmes, Inspecting Engineer for tho Public Works Department, exorcised tho powers of his official position by or--xloring tho work at'that point to ho discontinued. Tho inspection was made in company with Mr W. R. Wright.' Electrical Engineer for tho City Council, who, after a conversation with Mr Holmes, informed tho foreman on tho section to cease operations. Tho foroman communicated with his superior on tho matter, and tho latter decided that, in lieu of any proper notification from tho right quarter, tho work should not be discontinued until ho had heard further in regard to tho matter. Tho Town Clork, when seen by a “Times” reporter, stated ibat ho had hoard nothing official on the matter, and that being so, he was unable to say anything. Mr Holmes, the Government Inspecting Engineer, stated, in explanation of his action, that there had been n slight deviation from the plans on which the Order-iu-Council for the construction of the track were issued and it was on that account ho had interfered. It is understood that according to tho original plans the track was to ho laid a few foot closer to the railway line than is at present being done, and that this would have meant demolishing the whole or tho greater part of the sheltersheds. Since the alterations to the track construction were made—through the appeal of tho secretary of the Harbour Board —the removal of the shelter-sheds was found unnecessary, and while the track would run between tho two express stands, there would still bo space for the vehicles and a footpath under the present shed. This is not tho first occasion when there has been trouble between tho City Council and the Government that tho shelter-shed has played a part. On tho last occasion tho friction got as far as’ tho law courts, and tho result was in favour of tho Council.