THE ELECTRIC TRAMS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5311, 24 June 1904, Page 5

THE ELECTRIC TRAMS.

THE POSITION AT THE ROYAL OAK CORNER. RiESUMPTION OP LAND BY THE CITY. ' Since attention was directed to the matter in the column of the ‘’Times” the position of the electric tramway rails at tho junction of Cuba and Manners streets has led to considerable discussion. Consequent upon tho curved rails being laid closely to the kerbihg at the corners opposite Mr Goorgo Winder’s shop and the Union Clothing Company’s premises, there has been some speculation as to how the lack of road spaoe is to bo overcome in order that* tho cars may run without undue risk of accident to the public, and still comply with the provisions of the Public Works Act.

Seeking an official explanation of what the “Times” pointed to as an obvious breach of the Public Works Act, a reporter called upon the Alaj-or, but 3fr Aitken was apparently annoyed that anything of the kind should have been published. and referred to “bairns and fools jumping at conclusions.” In answer to a question, ho said “there is to be no land resumption.” Asked how the trams were to run within the meaning of the Act, if no land was to b© resumed, he said, “he supposed they would fly.” His Worship declined to give any explanation of tho position, and referred the reporter to .the Electrical Engineer. Tho engineer was waited upon by a “Times” representative yesterday morning, and at onoe made a clear and simple statement of the, intentions of the Council. Mr Wright stated that a few feet of land would be required by tho city on both corners mentioned, to provide for a 4ft clearance between the rails and tho kerbing, and an adequate footpath. It is Mr Winder’s intention shortly to build new promises, and he will throw hia building back a little. He (Mr "Wright) was not prepared to say whether the slice off the corner would be in the nature of a purchase by the Council or a gift to tho city on the part of Mr Winder. On the other corner, the Union Clothing Company’s show windows would have to b© indented to provide the space required by tho Act to permit the running of the trams. The upper story of tho building would not be affected.

Mr Wright gives the assurance that this • resumption of private property will in no way delay the running of the cars. All the public will have to put up with for a little will bo narrow footpaths at the points mentioned. So fai\Mr G. E. Godber, secretary of the Wesleyan Trustees (owners of the premises occupied by the Union Clothing Company), has had no intimation of the Council's intention to acquire any of that property to provide sidewalk accommodation. The Public. Works Act stipulates that six months’ notice of any such interference shall bo given. Regarding tho running of the trams, Mr Wright states that as soon as motormen have been thoroughly exercised in their duties, the cars will commence running over the Newtown-Kent terrace section with passengers. Duo notice will he given to tho public when this is to take place.