CITY TRAMWAYS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5736, 3 November 1905, Page 5

CITY TRAMWAYS.

THE MIRAMAR SERVICE. MORE CARS ORDERED. The Tramways Committee recommended at last night’s meeting of the City Council:— That Christmas Day ho observed as a holiday as in previous years. That three further cars be ordered from Messrs Rouse and Harrell upon the following terms;—Two Hongkong cars without louvres and with vestibules at £295 each; one closed car without side doors and without louvres at a cost of £320. That an agreement be entered into with the Miramar Borough Council with respect to tho extension of llio tramways to Miramar North and Soatouuj as 'follows;— (a) That should the city purchase tho portion of the lino between tho present proposed terminus at Kilbirnio and tho city limit at Miramar, it may do so hy paying 10 per cent, of the cost per annum for ten years, the limit of charge per passenger to bo one penny over that .part of the lino between Kilbirnio terminus and the city limit. (b) The whole cost of construction to bo borne 'by the Miramar Borough Council, under the supervision of tho City Engineer and the Tramways Engineer at a reasonable remuneration. (c) That on completion, the city take over control of tho lino in Miramar and run their cars over the line. (4) That the city run to a stipulated service, and tho borough pay the cost nor car mile (to be hereinafter fixed), also to pay cost of maintenance of track and roadway. That a subsidy of £1 per week bo granted to tho owner of the Maranui ’bus to join the Constable street line, provided ho runs a stipulated timetable. the subsidy to be granted for six months. That tho Engineer’s suggestion that a canvass of certain streets bo made, with the object of ascertaining the number of intending consumers of power supply, bo adopted, the Engineer to forward to all Councillors a copy of his report with reference to power supply. That Mr G. Hadficld bo informed that the Council aro /unable to forward him an order for enamel plates, for which b© states bo received a verbal older. The Engineer has reported strongly against the proposal that inspectors should assist guards to collect fares during the busy hours of tho day. As there aro only four inspectors, who work two shifts, their time is fully oeeunied with their special duties. It is, therefore, recommended that the proposal should not ho given effect to. In receiving tho report, the Mayor stated in regard to the supply of electrical power to tho public a~canvass was being made in the city of all persons likely to require power. About a third of tho area had been covered, and half the supply needed to justify the scheme had been requisitioned. Councillor Lukq approved the idea of supplying power. A number of the big buildings that wore being built in 'Wellington would need power for lifts, especially as the city could not spare the water for hydraulic power. Councillor Murdoch thought applications for power should have been asked by advertisement. Tho Mayor replied that the matter bad now gone too far for that.

With regard to the Miramar l arrangement, Councillor Biss was of opinion that the terms were not exactly what they should be. Ho would like them to oe on the same basis as tho city’s arrangement with tho Kelburno tramway. Councillor Luke moved to refer tho matter back to the Tramways Committee for further consideration, so that they could all vote on tho matter with better knowledge. The Mayor said tho arrangement was a good one. In reply to Councillor Gibbs, ho stated that it was impossible to say what would be the cost per car mile until they knew what service was required. A good deal of their concern 'rested on what that cost would bo. Councillor Luke thought they should hesitate before setting up a precedent in such a matter, as it was not Miramar alone that was concerned. There was Karori, and probnbly Onslow coming in. Councillor Carmichael did not at all approve tho arrangement. What 'was tho object of continuing the line to thcvgxtremo limit of the city for tho benefit of Miramar? He did not see why tho city should pay tho cost. Councillor Izard: We’ve not. Councillor Carmichael: Well, I don’t understand English. Councillor Izard: I’m sorry. The Miramar Borough Council would have to apply for tho Order-in-Council, and having the greater length of lino, would probably, in any case, construct the line over that portion included in the city, so asrto connect with the city system. The Council reserved the power to stop in and acquire so much of the lino as was in the city’s area. It was, however, a novel principle and worthy of more mature consideration. On Councillor Luke’s motion to refer the matter hack to tho committee being put, it was carried by seven votes To throe.

Councillor Morrali said, with regard to tho subsidy to the Maranui ’bus, it would be well if it were continued, as ho believed it would bo a feeder to the tram, and was worth £2 per week. Tho Mayor said the terms contained

in the report wore those that were asked for. lie thought tho clause should ho left as it was originally brought down ; hut the negotiations between tho. Council and tho Miramar Borough Council should not: he adjourned from’ fortnight to fortnight. On a division danse b of the report was referred hack to tho committee by eight votes to two. Councillor Morrnh’o proposal with regard to tho Mnramu'i ’has was negatived on tho voices. Tho remaining clauses were adopted.THE WALLACE STREET TRAM SERVICE. A deputation waited on the Council, and presented a petition signed by some 150 residents of tho neighbourhood, protesting against tho manner in which the Wallace street tram sections wore treated. They complained of an invidious distinction being made in regard to this portion of the tramway service. It now took about sixteen minutes to got, from the Wallace street to tho Post Office. It warn very desirable that people in tho district should ho given tho opportunity of getting home to luncheon, as they could when the old time-table was in operation. It was also'asked that tho service, as formerly, should be carried right down to the Manawaitr station. As to tho present service, if a person missed a tram he would save time by walking. The trams ran all the way down with tho brakes on. Formerly a person could get from Wallace street to tho Post Office by tram in eight minutes. Tlio Mayor said one reason for tho, reduced speed was that, it had been found that tho care had been very much, knocked about. A member of tho deputation said tho knocking about of tho cars was duo to tho incompctcncy of the motormon. Tho Mayor said the matter would receive serious consideration after it had been referred to tho Council’s officers. When, later on, the Council canvo to tho consideration of this matter, it was decided to refer the -question to tho Tramways Committee. Before tho deputation was admitted last evening. Councillor Biss asked if all such deputations could not wait upon, the Tramways Committee instead of oni tho Council as a whole. His Worship was understood to say that ho was about to mention something to tho Kama effect. Councillor J. P. Luke object* ed to the powers of tlio Council being usurped by tho Tramways Committee. Ho for one would object strongly to any, such arrangement.