THE NEW TRAMWAY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 49, 3 April 1914, Page 5

THE NEW TRAMWAY.

THE ST. MARTIN'S LINE. A PICTURESQUE ROUTE. A new means of access to the Cashmere Hills will be available to the people of Christchureh after to-morrow, when the new tramway to St. Martin's is to be opened. The new line should be a very popular one, as it passes through quite picturesque country, and terminates at the foot of the hills, joining White's Road, one of the best and most pleasant tracks to the summit. The total length of the line from Wordsworth Street, where it leaves the Opawa line, to the terminus is one mile 65 chains. In order to provide for the construction of the line, which cost some £15,000, St. Martin's has been declared a special rating area, the ratepayers of thd district being responsible for the whole of the deficiency on the line, if any. The work of constructing the permanent way was carried out by Messrs Brightling and Marriott, the sleepers and rails being laid by the Tramway Board's employees. The board has also erected the overhead gear. The cables are carried on arms jutting out from not very picturesque posts placed on the left side of the route. The new bridge across the river was constructed by the Heatheote County Council, the Tramway Board contributing as much as a special tramway bridge would have cost. .A large number of men were employed to-day so as to have the line completed before to-morrow afternoon's 'eeremoiiy. Very little remains to be done, and the line" should bg ready in good time. It is hoped that the necessary certificate for the use of the line by the public will be available for the opening of a. regular service on Monday. Trams will run every hour at first.