THE ROSLYN TRAMWAY SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23689, 22 December 1938, Page 17

THE ROSLYN TRAMWAY SERVICE

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—ln your issue of to-day's date, "Worker" (apart from personal references) writes a sensible letter and asks a natural question. For his and other people's benefit, it is as well to know that tramway systems are run under a formal authority. Such authority is not granted to private operators direct, but to the appropriate local body, and that local body may, and sometimes does, delegate its powers to a private operator. This is the method under which the Kaikorai service runs. If a private operator is running at a loss, he may consider another mode of transport. He may even consider buses. Until, however, he takes certain formal steps which are clearlv set out, he must provide the minimum service required by the Deed of Delegation and of the Order-in-Council. The same procedure applies to our own Dunedin City Corporation when it contemplates a change. That is its privilege, its obligation and its duty. In this instance it complies with none of them. That is only one reason why widespread indignation exists among the affected parties. Other reasons daily become more apparent. There is a reference by your correspendent to the executive of the Roslyn Ratepayers' Association which met the Tramways Committee. I understand that its acquiescence was limited to not putting any obstruction in the way of the six months' trial. It may have the right to speak for its approximately 50 ratepayer-members. The recently held meeting was attended by over 200.—1 am. etc.. Gripper. Roslyn. December 21.