MORNINGTON TRAMWAY MATTERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17533, 27 January 1919, Page 8

MORNINGTON TRAMWAY MATTERS.

TO THE EDITOB.

Sxb, —After reading Councillor Shacklock's remarks at the last council meeting one feels that there is no need to express surprise at the want of progressiveness in municipal matters in Dunedin. Or Shacklock, referring to Mornington, says that he has been over the road and through the place, and has studied the question from a municipal and tramways standpoint, and has conxo to the conclusion that the Maryhill line should be reinstated for the following reasons:—(l) That the line 'would bi in the most suitable place to tap the population that might come some future day further over; and (2) there were several townships towards that end of Mornington.

Now, not only is there a greater population along the Elgin road route, but it also has several townships at its southern end. When Cr Shaoklock states that the land alon«r the Elgin road-route is so steep that it would never carry a population, I can only say that he is losing his head, especially when he infers that Elgin road route has a smaller population and less opportunity for expansion than Maryhill. He has evidently forgotten the magisterial inquiry which decided all these points in favour of Elgin road. The Mornington Borough. Council constructed the Elgin road line because the Maryhill line was "a white elephant" .and a large population was to be served along the Elgin road route. Apparently the Mornington Council made a mistake in regard to the future of that district, although the magistrate has decided that the interests there are greater than the Maryhill route, and that the public interest would be served by the Elgin road route. The tramway manager is dead against Maryhill as compared with Elgin road route, but Cr Shaddock's remarks suggest that these experienced people know nothing of the _ subject they really investigate with a view to deciding the points which should govern all such municipal expenditure.

Is it any wonder we have the frequent suggestions as to the necessity for a radical change in the system of municipal government? Experts are nowhere in their judgment of things respecting which we pay them to guide us compared to the city councillor who gives a portion of his time to the varied matters which come before him. Reports by experts really unbiassed are required before the city is plunged into such unprofitable exoenditure.—l am, eto -> „, E..E. Nicolson. January 24. =