WAKEFIELD STREET TRAM

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12423, 17 April 1926, Page 10

WAKEFIELD STREET TRAM

CIVIC LEAGUE OPPOSED - MAKING TRAFFIC PROBLEM WORSE X " m IMPORTANT CITY QUESTIONS x A meeting of the Wellington Civic League executive committee Was held m the Accountants’ Chambers, Johnston street, on Wednesday evening The- president' (Air J. N. Whittaker) was in .the chair. A complaint was received from- Mr E - 0- Thornton, of -Miramar, in regard to the cutting down of trees in the road reserve in Park road, Miramar. The assistance of ,the league was sought to prevent such vandalism. No exception was taken to trees being cut down a,t road ' intersections where the view obstructed motorists and others, hut to do so in any other part of the reserve was unjustifiable. It was resolved to make representa_l° the Mayor by deputation, in which Air Thornton will be asked to join.

COST OF BITUMEN ROADS The resolutions passed. at the open meeting held by the league in the lown Hall on February 25th were discussed and dealt with. In regard to resolution No. I“That in order to delay the uneasiness which exists in the minds of many people, the Civic League urges the City Council to arrange for an imme'dfate Investigation by a thoroughly competent accountant of the cost of the bitumen roads,” it was resolved that when the deputation has audience with the Alnyor on other matters, that opportunity be, taken to ask him, whether (ho. time cost of the bitumen roads is’in excess of the estimates, and if so, to what extent?”

Resolution No. 2:—“That the City Council be urged to appoint a small committeo outside of the council to thoroughly investigate the appointment of a citv manager.” It was resolved that the general principles of the resolution be placed before the Mayor, and that be be asked., to plate it before the council.

THE CHANGE-OVER Resolution No. 3:—“That the nousehojdoi; be supplied with an itemised account of the work to be done in respect to the electrical change-over, and its cost.” Resolution No. 4:—“That the householder sign the document presented by the City Council’s representative. agreeing to have the work performed.” ' It was resolved to place these resolutions before the Mayor for his opinion. It was further decided to forward copies of these resolutions to individual members of the City Council, together with the action taken by the league. The deputation to brim? these matters before the Mayor will consist of the members of the League’s executive, and arrangements will lie made for as early a date as possible. AVAKEFIELD STREET LINE. The construction of a bitumen road a.nd tramline in Wakefield street (from tho Lower Cuba street end to Clyde ntiay) was introduced by Mr F. W. Moore, and actively discussed. The league was strongly against the laying

down of a tramline in Wakefields street, as intended by the City Council. It was considered of vital necessity that a route should be available in the city by which quick traffic' may travel without impediment. Thq traffic in the city has increased tremendously'. Most of the vehicles want to get somewhere in the centre of the city, and a route should be available by which they' could travel without incurring the vexatious hold-up behind stationary tramoars. It was stated that the day had passed for the laying of new tram routes in the city. If a tramline was laid in Wakefield street, motorists and others would have to contend with the same obstruction as occurs in travelling through Courtenay Place, Cuba street, etc. •By all means bitumenise Wakefield street, but leave it open as a direct traffic route, and not a tram route. Exception was also taken to the prevailing conditions under which horse traffic is allowed to cross over in Jervois quay to enter the Queen’s wharf. ■lt was considered that the j whole traffic problem of the city re- J quired reorganisation bv experts. | On the motion of Mr T. Gray, it was I decided to arrange a deputation to the I City Council, comprising the Civic I League, the Automobile, Association, the Master Carriers’ Association, tho Chamber of Commerce, and other associations in agreement with tho proposal to discourage a tramline being laid in Wakefield street.

AMBULANCE STATION The matter of a central site for an ambulanoe' 1 station in the city was discussed. It was reported that the Hos. pital Board had’ purchased a new ambulance some twelve months ago for the city’s use, and although three deputations had 'waited ■ upon the Mayor within, the last eight ■ months, in an endeavour to get the City Council to take it over and house it in a central station in the city near the Eire Brigade station, they had not been successful, and little satisfaction had been obtained. It was considered a neglect of duty on the part of the Mayor and City Council in not meeting the wishes of the Hospital Board in the matter, and it will he brought before the notice of the Mayor by the deputation which will wait upon him with other business.

Representations will be made to the council for the lighting of the Houghton Bay district. Mr W. Appleton drew attention to the neglected state of tho footpaths, which were in a worse' condition than they were five years ago. On the motion of Mr A. C. Blake it was resolved to draw the attention of the City Council to the fact, that whilst concentrating on the' bitumenising of the roads, it was neglecting the footpat'.is, and attention should be paid to them. On the motion of Mr BurgoyneThomas the secretary was instructed to get into communication with Councillor H. D. Bennett in regard to holding a “Health Week” and general clean up” early this year.