TRAMWAY THROUGH THE GARDENS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17067, 27 July 1917, Page 3

TRAMWAY THROUGH THE GARDENS.

REPORT MtOM DEPARTMENTAL OWICMtS. A combined rei>ort by tho Tramways Manager (Jdr C. i< , . Alexander) and the Uty lijectrieai Engineer (Mr M. C. Henderson) on tne proposed extension of Uie train ways througn uie Botanic Gardens was laid on the taDie by tho 1 rain ways Committee at the meeting of tho City Council on Wednesday The roport states.— " lattiig tne junction of Howu and Castle streets as tlie starting point, we find that tho distances are approximately as under: "j\ew Track to be l*ud.—lf the line were continued along Castie street, running partly through the Gardens, joining King street, and proceeding to Gardens terminus, it would be necessary to lay 66 chains of new track. liunniiig ? ia itowo street to lying street, proceeding along King street to Gardens terminus, 52 coains of now track would require to be laid. The accual distances to bo run would be 33 chains and 44 chains respectively. lakuig the additional distances to be run, as compared with the present route, the distances would chains and 39 chains respectively. "In our opinion, if tne extension were carried out, it would bo necessary to build a bridge on either route. lhe average cost ol construction, excluding bridge, at pre-war prices, would be approximately £80 per chain; thereioro the cost ol construction, tor a single lme, would be:—Via Gardens, £2640; via King street, £2660. Running via Gardens, and it itowe street line were lifted, that construction would navo to be credited with 17 chains old material. itumiing via King street, the credit would be hve cha.ns old material "We have gone into this matter with Mr Tannook, and we recommend that, if the extension is made, it should be via tying street." lhe iramway Manager reports on tho traffic point ox view as folio ws:—To enable us to have the same earning power us at the present time on this route, it incline were run to the Gardens by either route one additional car would bo required, at an approximate cost of £iWO per exclusive oi standing charges on the necessary capital expenditure. I'nis extension would add considerably to our working expenses, and also (to a lessor extent) to our standing charges, but, in my opinion, very immaterially to our revenue, as 1 cannot see how we could expect much addit.onal revenue. It would bo a convenience on holidays and Sundays, as the route would be patronised more than it is at present by people travelling to the Gardens; but this does not mean increased revenue, and the same advantago couid bo gained if the lino were extended along Castle street to the Brook street entrance to the • Gardens. As regards loading to the railway station, the only advantage would be that people in the v.oinity. of tne Gardens could join this car and save changing; but in my opinion the cost is out of all proportion to the advantage gained in this respect. In my opinion it will bo necessary some day for an extension to be made down Pelichet Bay way, and if so the Castle street line should be diverted for such purpose, as certainly the distrigt would never stand three parallel lines.

A report has yet to be received from the Superintendent ot Reserves, after which the committee will forward a recommendation to tho council.