MORNINGTON TRANSPORT FACILITIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21941, 1 May 1933, Page 6

MORNINGTON TRANSPORT FACILITIES

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —The letter signed "R." in your Saturday's issue states clearly, the deplorable manner in which Mornington residents are treated by the Dunedin City Council. I can with truth say that there hao been a distinct breach of faith—in fact, a breach of contract.. I have before me a copy of the commissioner's report on the council's attempt to have the Order-in-Council for tramway facilities along Elgin road cancelled. This attempt was frustrated s.nd the Order-in-Council exists. In 1919 the extension through to Kenmure road was agreed upon, and in 192122 the proposal to borrow £14,000 for the prosecution of the work was carried by the ratepayers of the city. Owing to the necessity for the construction of the highway to the Exhibition- the council, used the loan money, but the Mornington residents did not object, realising the urgent need for that work and having faith in the then council that it would in good time proceed with the Kenmure road extension. To say that Mornington is neglected is to put it mildly. Its residents have >been shamefully treated,, and, having had a good deal to do with the original negotiations, I must admit that my opinion of those who. made what were undoubtedly promises has been considerably lowered. I could not do what was done by the residents of one district —namely, take a Union Jack to the council meeting and ask if the time has arrived when the flag was to be sullied by broken promises; but the position W ( tnat promises have been broken, and, as R. says, we are told to shift our residences to where there is a service. Councillor Shacklock says that new forms of transport will do away with cable cars. No- doubt' if we wait long enough the present generation will not need them. . '" • It was admitted during our .negotiations that our fares were too high, and i promised not to agitate for a reduction because the extension was to take place. Compared with other routes, our fares are extortionate for the distance we are carried, and I consider that the time has arrived when Mornington residents should take legal action to enforce the Elgin road Order-in-Council or have the fares reduced to half the present rate. I know all about the manner in which the voting paper for the loan was prepared, but if the council repudiates its responsibilities on that score then I can only eay that its attitude is unworthy, ot such a body. It savours of sharp practice, and in my opinion would be dishonourable.—l am, etc., .E. E. NicolSON. . Mornington, April 29. TO THE EDITOR. Sitf—l should like heartily to endorse the complaint made by your correspondent "R" in your issue this morning regarding the tramway and bus services to Mornington. ;,'■/. i_ + From the lack of consideration Bhown to the residents it would appear that the council is under the impression that Mornington alone among the suburbs has not increased in size since, say, the war, whereas it hate shown one of the largest extensions. .-i". ~ , , I consider that the council has deliberately broken faith with the district in not extending the cable car to the top of Mailer street, for which purpose, I believe, the money was definitely borrowed—or earmarked at any rate! It the car line was not to be extended it was simply a'gross waste of money to make the fine extension of the street. I think your correspondent hits the nail on the head—that in this matter councillors have surrendered their rightful duty to the ideas of their subordinates, who are simply out to show a profit for their department irrespective of any sense of justice to those who enable them to make such a'profit. > . I see Mr H. C. Campbell is again seeking'clection to the council., As he is now a- resident of Mornington I trust that, it returned, he will take the matter up strongly, for after all the district only asks for bare justice and the carrying out of definite undertakings.—l am, etc., Fiat Justitia. Mornington, April 29.