CHRISTCHURCH TRAMWAY BOARD.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 34, 17 March 1914, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH TRAMWAY BOARD.

ORDINARY MEETING. The Christchurch Tramway Board met yesterday afternoon, when there were present Messrs J. H. Flesher (in the chair), D. Bykes, G. T. Booth, C., M. Gray, H. Pearce, S. A. Staples, the Hon. J. Barr, T. W. Beaven, and Dr H. T. J. Thacker. Accounts amounting to £3974 6/10 were passed for payment. - The report of the Works Committee, which was a brief one, was adopted. A letter was received from the Cashmere Ratepayers' Association, suggesting that a site on the upper reservoir reserve would'be available at a peppercorn rental for a tea kiosk; that, though windy, a building could be put up there, and that the matter might be arranged between the board and the association; that some provision should be made for fares direct from town and reserve; and that band concerts should be instituted forthwith. Mr C. M. Gray moved, and Dr Thacker seconded a motion, that the matter should be referred to the Works Committee. Dr Thacker went further, anil urged that negotiations should be opened with picture proprietaries to give shows at the hilltop. The motion was adopted. Mr Cyril J. Ward wrote, stating that he purposed giving ;an exhibition of a motor electric 'bus on Wednesday afternoon, and inviting the members of the board to attend. It was decided, on the motion of Mr S. A. Staples, seconded by Dr Thacker, to accept the invitation. The Summit Road Association wrote, giving thanks for a donation of £lO received from the board.

The Spreydon Domain Board wrote, asking for aid in the laying out of its domain, saying that it had already let contracts for more money than it actually had in hand.

! Mr D. Sykes supported the petition, saying that the domain was likely to be a v v ery popular one, and already applications had been received for grounds from various cricket and football clubs. It would also be likely to be a popular picnic ground. The present support came almost entirely from the working men of the neighbourhood. Mr Booth also spoke in support of the petition, saying that the park was to be purely a public one; there was no question of a charge being made for admission, and he believed it to be worthy of support.. Further, it would aid the tram traffic. Mr Staples also spoke in support adding that presently he might ask aid for another domain. In answer -to • a question, Mr Sykes suggested £lO as a suitable sum to be given. Mr Gray pointed out that the board had already given away £lO of the £SO available, and it was probable that many other demands would come to hand. He would move that the sum should be reduced to £5. The Hon. J. Barr supported Mr Sykes, saying that he hoped some day to ask for a sports ground for Eedcliffs. Mr Booth suggested that each member should be allowed to allot £5, and the chairman £lO, and this would save all difficulty. (Laughter). Mr Gray's amendment was not seconded, and the motion was carried without dissent. Superintendent Dwyer wrote, stating that the police were now instructed to prosecute in all cases of breach of the tramway by-laws. Other business having been finished, Dr Thacker protested that certain tramway men were not sounding their alarm gongs at certain corners which were dangerous. He himself had nearly been run down at the Manchester-Worcester Street crossing. Mr F. Thompson, secretary to the board, said an inspector had recently looked for such matters, and had reported that the men were sounding their gongs, but not sufficiently loudly. The City Council inspector was on the lookout for such breaches of regulation.