TRAM FARES.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5558, 8 April 1905, Page 9

TRAM FARES.

(To the Editor, “N.Z. Times.”) , Sir, —There is an aspect of this question .which seems to be lost sight ef. In seeking Parliamentary power to laydown trams by th© Council ono of the leading reasons must have been given as that of “public convenience,” and certainly not as a, “business venture,” with Die object of “making money”—' true it is that business lines must needs be adopted, hut theso arc limited by th© principle of public convenience, which, if too costly, ceases to he a convenience to tho great body of th© people. County Councils always <?stimato their costs as closely as possible co maintain roads, and then levy accordingly ; but l not to make profit. Efficient maintenance and provision for renewals is ail that should ’ bo sought—interest on loans comes under maintenance, having to come out of revenue. Sinking fund, of course, must also com© out of revenue. It these charges can be covered by the penny fare, th© argument is closed. The, winter or broken weather season, it is plain, will command an influx of patronage; and Mr Wardell claims the figures of current traffic hoar out lifs contention. It has been suggested Diat tho same argument by Mr Wardell- would next attack tho “lighting” of tho city; -nd it would ho well if it did, for experience in tho Old Country is conclusive 1 ?’ in favour of Corporation ownership by about forty per cent., or more. ; Tlio “greatest good for the greatest number” is tho true spirit that should operate in deciding public' questions such os that now under review.—l am, etc., \ '‘ADVANCE.” March 31st. 1