THE ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5372, 3 September 1904, Page 3

THE ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS.

Tim BEGINNING OF THE END. Vestorday’s rain loci to a. temporary cessation of work in connection with laying tlio new track. A day’s rain means practically two clays’ delay, for Urn water accumulates in tlio freshlyconcreted channel lictween tlio rails, and bus to bo removed before the bod begins to dry—in readiness for woodblocking. A small quantity of metal having at length corno to hand, a start was vo have been made yesterday to metal tlio track in tho Wallace street section, commencing at tho Grosvc'nor Hotel corner and working .southwards. The job had to ho abandoned owing to tho Vain. Tho metal will not bo dry enough tins morning for tin; work, so a start cannot bo made; in Wallace street until Monday. Tho completion of this section has been seriously delayed through lack of a steady supply ot good metal, and in consequence the streets which tho line traverses arc in a deplorable condition. As the elevated waggon cannot be driven over tho uncompleted track, the overhead wires have not been erected. T his portion of the work will have to wait until tho track is finished alt with tarred metal. Tho footpaths of streets between Webb street and Wallace street following tho tram-lines have recently been lorn tip to lay gas mains, and their restoration is of a kind that earns tin; maledictions of residents. The manner in which tlio footpaths throughout tho city have been left through the cause boro mentioned is such that should be remedied. Tho Town Clerk informed a,“Times'’ reporter yesterday that tho Corporation had in hand tho work of erecting a concrete wall whore tho wash-out had occurred on tho eastern side of Oriental Bay. "When tho work is completed it is presumed that tho Public Works Department’s engineer will inspect the section prior to its being opened ior traffic.

It was Mr Kenvin’s intention to start on Monday working a double shift until the rest of the track through the city is completed, but the rain yesterday delayed the work at the corner of Manners and Willis streets, where t hero is a big junction to put down—,md not too much room to do it. Tho two-shift scheme will possibly bo put , into operation on Tuesday. Half a dozen of the contractors’ foremen, who came out from London, are to return Homo by tho Papanui, sailing on the 2Uth Inst. 'l'he vory elegant manner in which tho tramway polos aro being painted is Iho subject of general remark. Tbo completed polos (which may bo seen i along Courtenay nlaco section) aro painted in two shades of green, the ' fancy work on tho base being picked ®ut in the darker colour. The bands and rosettes are in red, while the Corporation’s coat-of-arms aro touched up lin yellow. Tho general effect is pleasing. All that is required to complete the ■Pest Office section is the fixing of tho , 'big double-track brackets, and attaching /to them the already-suspended wires. The troublous spot should li© rready for Government inspection early , next woek. There are to bo no central poles in Willis street. Poles are being erected on tho edge of tho footpaths, with tautened wires between them for tho suspension of the trolly wires. Tho laying of a double-track junction between tho Albert and Duke of Edinburgh Hotels, at tho corner of Manners and Willis streets, should bo of i interest to tho many tramway experts who have cropped up in Wellington since the electrical system came into being.. Many aro wondering if it is possible to do it and adhere in every particular to Government regulations.