WELLINGTON-HUTT RAILWAY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5729, 26 October 1905, Page 5

WELLINGTON-HUTT RAILWAY.

ELECTRIC TRACTION. SUBURBAN REQUIREMENTS. THE BILL AS AMENDED. A CLOSE DIVISION. The report of tho conference of managers of tho two Hunsos of Parliament, appointed to confer in regard to the clause dealing with electric traction in the Hutt Railway and Road Improvement Bill, was submitted to the House last night. The conference recommended tho insertion in clause 3 of tho bill of the words, “Except within a distance of fifteen chains from the present northern boundary of the city of Wellington.”

Sir Joseph Ward explained that the fifteen chains exemption gave the necessary connection for an electric tram service to bo run into Onslow, and that authority was given under the bill. Mr Aitkon said the fifteen chains did not cover the distance required to be exempted to meet the requirements of Kaiwarra, and, therefore, the new clause was meaningless. Sir Joseph Ward: We were told it was so. Mr Aitken; Three hundred and thirty cards won’t take it up to the road that leads to Onslow. Sir Joseph Ward: It will give them a connection that will enable them to come up to tho road. Air Aitken said he would like to have time to go into this new clause, because it was of great importance not only to Wellington, but to the people of tho borough of Onslow and adjoining districts, rvho desired connection with Wellington's water and tramway service. Aloro than fifteen chains was required to bo exempted to- take in tiro road leading to Khandallah and Crofton. Sir Joseph Ward: At the conference it was said that the proposal was discussed with the Mayor of Wellington, and I presume the recommendations came from the side of those anxious to have it put in, and I agreed to it on that account. Air Duthie: We asked for a mile as the margin, but I think half a mile will cover tho distance. I hope the Minister will make it forty chains at the smallest. j Sir Joseph Ward! Air Rigg, Air Feldwick, and Air Seymour George were tho managers for the Upper House. Air Eigg said fifteen chains was the suggestion. and it was measured oft on the map. / Air Duthie; Kaiwarra will be omitted. -Air Barber concurred with Air Aitken. The fifteen chains limit was absolutely useless, for that distance would end at tho base of a perpendicular cliff. If tlie clause was to be of any use at all. half a mile was tho least they should take in. The extension of tho tramway that distance would not interfere with the railway at all. Air Fisher agreed that the extension of the tramway to Kaiwarra would not interfere with the railway. It was only reasonable that the Alinistor should give them forty chains. Air Taylor thought that tho request made by the Wellington members was a very reasonable one. The interests of the city of Wellington would not come into conflict with the railway proposals of tho Alinistor. Sir Joseph Ward hero explained that it was not tho Alayor of Wellington who had agreed to the fifteen chains, but the Alayor of Onslow (Air R. B. Williams) and Air Cook, one of the Onslow Borough Councillors, who had waited upon tho Attorney-General and asked him for tho fifteen chains exemption. Air Aitken: Both Wadestown men. It would suit. Wadestown right enough, hut would not suit Crofton and Khandallah. Sir Joseph Ward: If there is any intention to establish electric trams, it ought to bo done, not in this bill, but under a special bill. , Air Duthie called for a division on the motion that the report of the conference bo agreed to. The report was adopted by 31 votes to 30. Mr Fisher called attention to tho fact that Air Taylor, who was against the motion, had inadvertently failed to record his vote. This made the numbers for and against equal. Air Soddon (sotto voce): It won’t help them. Air Flatman also called attention to tho Hon J. McGowan (for tho motion) having failed to vote; Air Taylor: Was ho awake? (“Oh’s.”) The Speaker: If it is true that he was in the House at the time, which way does tho lion member vote? The Hon Air McGowan; For the ayes. (Laughter.) Air Seddon: I think we hare another yet. (Laughter.) The Speaker: I declare tho division to bo as follows:—Ayes 32, noee 31. Tho motion is carried. (Laughter.)