TRAMWAY MATTERS

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5557, 7 April 1905, Page 3

TRAMWAY MATTERS

THK MELROSE’ EXTENSIONS. METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION DECIDED. CONTRACT AND DAY LABOUR, The Tramway; Committee, at last night’s mooting of the City Council, made the following recommendations regarding the Island Bay and Kilbirnie tramway extensions: — That the Island Bay track be constructed hy day labour, the work to be begun as soon as the Order-in-Council has been obtained. That a contract be let as soon as possible after tho Ordor-in-Council has been obtained for the necessary formation, draining, and ballasting of the Brooklyn track. That a contract bo advertised as early as po.s.sible for tho construction of the tunnel to Kilbirnie. That all plate-laying throughout the extensions be carried out by day labour. That the City Engineer be instructed to advertise for the supply of sleepers required. That all work in connection with the overhead equipment be carried out by day labour The Mayor explained that the method of constructing tho lines was decided upon as tho result of the engineer’,; recommendation. By paying freight at this ejul they would save exchange on remittances. * Councillor Luke was very pleased that the Island Bay section 1 was to bo done by day labour. It would bo more expeditious, and save a lot of trouble in the matter of calling for tenders. The Mayor explained, in reply to questions, that there was sufficient material on hand for the construction of the roadway and the overhead .equipment almost, if not quite, as tar as Island Bay. There was also sufficient power in the power-house to do all the work at present required, and all that they had so far undertaken. Councillor Luke: And the extensions? The Mayor: Yes, With regard to the contract clauses, the committee were face to face with tho fact that tho engineer had his hands full. It- was necessary that tho person overseeing the work should be there constantly watching, and it was impossible to burden tho engineer with this dutyTherefore tho committee decided to recommend the Council to let these two portions of the work by contract. Tenders would have to he called for tho sleepers required, and until they were received he could not say whether New Zealand or Australian timber would ho used. It depended on the timber and tbe price. Tho recommendations were adopted. MISCELLANEOTJS. The folioiving general . recommendations of the Tramway Committee were agreed to:—That Messrs Youn'g and Tripe be informed that the Council cannot recognise any liability in respect of the claim by R. Gilloes, for damage alleged to have been caused to ’ his butcher’s cart; that tho freight on neAv tramway cars be paid by the 1 Council at this end, on tho arrival of the cars; that tho applications of Messrs Crichton and McKay for the supply of poAver to the premises of Messrs George and Kersley and the D.1.C., and of the Government Engineer for the new railway offices, be granted, on condition that they undertake to pay all charges; that Air H. HoAvarth bo informed that the Council. is Avilltng to supply power to his neAV premises, Adelaide road, but cannot undertake at present to supply light; that the wages of oar-cleaners bo increased to Is per hour.