ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS.

Southern Cross, Volume 12, Issue 16, 16 July 1904, Page 11

ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS.

The first section of our electric tramway system commenced to run last Thursday week, and is being very freely patronised by a well-satisfied public. On the first day, in eleven hours, nearly 9000 passengers were carried, the revenue for the day approximating to £36. The question of when they are to run in the city is the most difficult to answer. What is known as the Royal Oak corner is the present stumbling block. To is is the intersection of four streets, on each of which there is a doable tram line. Hence the whole square bstween the intersection is a complete network of crossings and tram rails right up to the kerb stone ou either side, and aa the Act stipulates for a clearance of four feet between kerb and tram line it will mean moving buildings back or taking four feet off footpaths that are already much too narrow for the traffic. We are a long-suffering and patient community, and smilingly plop through mud and mire from bus to

train, at present cheering ourselves with the thought that it will be all right by and bye. The craze for skating has been renewed. Every night the rink is crowded. Business people are complaining that things are not so brisk this winter as they were last. House rents in the city are very high, and owing to the hills at the back and the sea in front, there is great overcrowding. Everything is dear, and living A working man cannot save much.