MORNINGTON TRANSPORT FACILITIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21940, 29 April 1933, Page 10

MORNINGTON TRANSPORT FACILITIES

ro tub editor Sib—The report of the profits from out tramway systems, which was published the other day, makes interesting reading. Will Mr Black, or any councillor, say whether he thinks it fair that the Mornington service should provide nearly as much profit as the whole city electric system, and £2OOO more than the Roslyn one. Besides the extortionate profit that is taken from the district, the residents are dumped off on the edge of the Town Belt and left to get home any way they like in any kind of weather. The councillors have the assurance to tell us that they have given us a bus service. I wonder whether they know how little use the bus is to the Belleknowes people? It makes two trips in the morning. The first one is too late for any one starting work at 8 a.m. and too early for anything else. Then the bus runs six or seven trips through the afternoon and early evening at irregular intervals. As a parting shot in a telephone conversation on the subject a few years ago Councillor Shaddock told me that I should live nearer the car. ; It is hopeless to look for progress from men like that. I am not asking any reduction in the fares, but we have a right fy) say that we should be carried nearer home by the extension of the line to Kenmure road. The net profit of £2300 would pay interest on the cost of construction, and leave a sufficient profit. It is no secret that the old councillors do not intend to extend the lino, and if the Rev. E. T. Cox is elected Mayor it will simply be because the electors see in him a chance of progress. The old council has been imbued with only one idea, “As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever more shall be.” I have told only a fraction of the unfair treatment which the Belleknowes residents receive. For example, if one wants to go to town in a

hurry the quickest way. is to walk—truly a splendid testimonial to men who seek re-election on the .governing body. One would like to know whether the councillors or their subordinates control our affairs. I would remind our new councillors that the vote was taken not for a new Mailer street, but for the extension of the tramline to Kenmure road.— I am, etc., R.