TRAMS OR LIFTS?

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10560, 10 April 1920, Page 6

TRAMS OR LIFTS?

THE TERRACE QUESTION

CONNECTING UP THE WESTERN SUBURBS.

Some weeks ago an offer was made ito the City Council by a resident of Wellington terrace of the installation of an electric passenger lift from Boulcott street to The Terrace by way ot the Church street steps. Mr I. Salek, who made :the suggestion, stated" that he was prepared to carry out the work under the supervision of the council’s officers, and to the council's satisfaction.

The Mayor (Mr J. P. Luke) was asked by a, reporter yesterday what the council proposed to do with the offer. Mr Luke said that as far as he was concerned he was distinctly in favour of The Terrace lift idea, but the council had already in view a scheme for serving The Terrace residents with access to their district by means of electric tram, and it would be little use putting in additional work and going to special expense when this was in tight. The proposed tramway would not orly serve The Terrace, but also the higher levels on the western side of the city, embracing Northland and Karen". The matter, of tramway communication to these residential areas was in the hands of the city engineer, and trial surveys had been made in three or four directions so as to advise the council on the best route, both in regard to grade and serving the largest possible number Of people. The great difficulty to Be contended with was the abruptness of the approaches. A fair grade was necessary to ensure a reasonably speedy service. It had also to be considered whether a duplicate cable tramway, connecting with electric trams over the hills, was desirable, or whether a surface tram branching off from the mjin tram system should be decided upon. The whole thing was a. matter for the decision of the council, which as soon as the engineer's repent came to hand, would consider the best policy to bo adopted.