THE PROPOSED TRAMWAYS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13433, 26 March 1907, Page 3

THE PROPOSED TRAMWAYS.

The Tramways Committee of the Thorough Council, reporting to the meeting on jVlomlay ci r eiiing, recommended that Messrs (Seorge and Stokes he ini'onned that the following "arc the terms upon which the Council would be prepared to commence negotiations with them in connection with the proposed Lvamways from .Fitzroy to the breakw ater : — 1 . The period of the concession to the company to he 25 years from the date of the agreement, 2. The Council to have the right to purchase the undertaking at the end of the term at a price to he fixed by arbitration, nothing to be allowed for goodwill. 3. The percentage of profits payable to the Council to be on somewhat similar basis to that provided for in the Auckland agreement. 4. The Council to endeavour to obiain the necessary consents and delegations from the County Council and other, suburban authorities. 5. All extensions to be first approved 1-y the Council. 6. The Council at its own cost to make necessary alterations v to its electric light poles and wires' in Devon Street. 7. A substantial deposit to be made by the company as a 1 guarantee of good faith. 8. Counoil are unable ib provide a sqction of land suggested for the erection of a power house. 9. A period of 18 months from April Ist, 1907, to be allowed the company to obtain the necessary Order-in-Council from Parliament. \ 10. All costs of obtaining the Order-in-Council and costs of deeds of delegation and agreement to be borne by the company,. 11. Other terms in the agreement to be on the lines of the agreement between the City of Auckland and the Auckland. Tramways Company. The Mayor moved the adoption of the recommendations. ' In reply to Councillor Collis, the, Ttfayorj&id'these>terjrX^'©>ld avpply toany company that'cam'e along. Councillor Monteath moved' that there be a clause inserted giving the Council the right to purchase and take over the tramways at the ■ end of 10 years if they so desired. > Councillor Hittchen was of opinion that no company would accept sucr terms as those suggested by Councillor Monteath. » . ... The Mayor said it* would be na inducement to cdmpanies 'to come along if the Council added the suggestion. 1 Councillor Moiiteath said if these I companies thoright the term was tor short, then thtfy' jiVould soon say so. He was also of opinion that any. work •O.mild be done by the Council, and cost of same claimed from the company. Councillor Hutchen said if New Plymouth had a large population likf Auckland it would be a good thing to have this clause added as suggested lrCouncillor Monteath. He (Councillor Hutchen) felt quite satisfied in his otv> mind that iihis proposed scheme of tramways would not pay for some years tc come, and was pretty certain that lithe first ten years there would not b< the amount df revenue" that would pa^t the interest on the money- expenderi. They had a small population, and wantod to offer terms that would induce a company to dome 1 forward. It was useless to laydowri teYms which they knew no company would negotiate ut>on. It was- a good suggestion had they . the population., ',- .~ •' ,i Councillor Monteath pointed out that they hacl never expressed a desire for tramways. They recognised that the place was hardly, large enough just yet to entertain the idea. Councillor Collis said he would agree to Councillor Monteath/s suggestion if he would add a clause for the. goodwill being left to arbitration. Councillor Moneath thought it -war auite time to give goodwill when asked for. With the oilfields New Plymoutl might be one of the largest cities in New Zealand in a few yoars. If tlu oii wells were a suqeess, ten years woulo be quite long enough. . Councillor Webster seconded the amendment, which was eventually lost by three votes to four. Councillor Wilson proposed a clause io the effect that the Council have the right to purchase the undertaking a/t any time after ten years at a price to be' fixed by arbitration, in which case goodwill shall he allowed for the unoxpired balance of original concession. Councillor Collis seconded. Councillors Hxitchen and Monteath strongly opposed. , Evontually the motion was altered to meet the wishes of the whole Council, and was then carried unanimously reading that the Council Jiave right to purchase on, terms if they could be arranged. , On the motion of Councillor Monteath, seconded by Councillor Webster, clause 6 was amended so as to read tha t the Council make necessary alterations to its electric light poles and wires in Devon Street, the cost of .same to be defrayed by the company.The report with these additions was cai ried. l___ _— ___»^.

THE COUNCIL' ft RECOMMENDATIONS. - '