TRAMWAY MATTERS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 438, 6 July 1915, Page 3

TRAMWAY MATTERS.

NEW BOARD MEETS. The first meeting of the newly elected Tramway Board was held yesterdav aftornoon, there being present Messrs G. T. Booth, J. A. Flesher, A. S. Tavlor, ('!. M. Giav, 11. Pearce, D. Sykeai S. A. Staples, T. 11. Dnvey, and the Hon. .J. Barr. Mr Frank Thompson called for nominations for the position of chairman. Mr C. M. Gray proposed that Mr Flesher should he re-elected and eulogised the work he had done during his period of office.

Mr Booth seconded the nomination. He understood that Mr Gray would not consent to nomination, and lie could see no reason why one mau should not be chairman for more than two years. The Hon. .John Barr said he looked upon the chairmanship of a body such as the Tramways Board as an honoured position which should be aspired to by all members, and, personally, he thought that two years was a fair term of office. He hail looked forward to Mr Gray coming into the chairmanship, and had not thought he would not stand. He would like to nominate Mr Gray, and he did so with all respect, to Mr Flesher, thinking that the position should rotate.

Mr Staples supported the nomination. He thought the chairmanship should rotate. It had been an unwritten law that the term should be two years. He thought if Mr Gray forfeited his right to stand on this occasion he would have to forfeit it next year.

Mr Gray said he could not see his way to take the position this year. He did not at present feel well enough to undertake the arduous duties of the position. v Mr Flesher's was therefore the only nomination, and he was re-elected. MiGray was re-elected deputy-chairman. It was decided to meet as formerly on the first and third Mondays in the month. Colonel G. J. Smith wrote asking for tramway concessions for the "Assault at Arms" to be held at Show Grounds on July 10— It was decided to make the charge LM instead-of ',U\ to the Show Grounds. Mr Staples asked what steps had been taken with regard to the Hornby extension, and was informed by the general manager that, the matter was in hand. A census of the houses had not yet been taken, but this would be done within the next fortnight. Mr Staples complimented the general manager on the way in which he had carried out the elections, and said he felt sure that the cost would prove lower than.previously. He asked how the poll clerks who we're servants of the board had been paid, and was informed that thoy received ordinary election fees, and the day was treated as being one of their usual holidays. The Hon. John Barr brought up the question of the 9.15 p.m. car to Sumner. There was some agitation to have it made an express car. The general manager said he would be bringing up the matter of the Sumner service before the AVorks and Traffic Committee at an early date. Mr D. Sylces gave notice of motion to move at the next meeting of the Works and Traffic'Committee:—"That the offer submitted to the various local authorities re the supply of electricity be withdrawn, and that the works manager report afresh to the Works and Traffic Committee on the alternating current proposal, with a view to submitting a fresh offer, the report to embrace, first, the supply ■ of energy available for re-sale under the alternating current proposal; second, the feasibility of placing transformers in annex to power house or shed,, with switchboard on wall inside power house; third, the general manager to report on the basis; first, that each local authority provide its own feeder cable; second, the board to erect same at cost price, plus 5/-; third, no charge to be made fo/ use of board's pples; fourth, the price to be charged per unit at the board's station in form suitable for transmission.