The Star. MONDAY, JUNE 5, 1905. THE TRAMWAYS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8334, 5 June 1905, Page 2

The Star. MONDAY, JUNE 5, 1905. THE TRAMWAYS.

The opening of the electric tram service to-day is an important event, in the history of Christchurch. Although this city is the last of the four centres in New Zealand to equip itself with an electrical trani service, it cannot be accused of being dilatory. For a city of little more than fifty thousand inhabitants to be able to boast of such a service as that which was opened today is n» mean achievement. Moreover, the Christchurch service is the only one of the four in New Zealand whictt hn« been built exclusively by a colonial firm. The others, though constructed for the municipalities, were the work of foreign companies, and with one exception, the ownership of the municipality is for the present merely nominal. The Christchurch service was built directly for theCouncil, and as each line is finished it passes into the possession of the civic authorities. The outcome will be an interesting experiment in municipal ownership, and, we believe, also a considerable saving to the/city. The history of the events which led up to the establishment of a municipal electrical tram service in Christchurch muet be tolerably familiar to everybody. It dates from 1902, when ' the movement in favour of the service- was started. For some time the movement lacked impetus. The multiplicity . of local authorities prior to the amalgamation of the boroughs with, the city created difficulties which- were not easily solved. With the advent of Greater Christchuvch, however, these diffioultiesbecame less formidable. Gradually they disappeared, and with their disappearance the Tramway Board sprang into existence, and the- work of electrifying the old service, began. To-day's ceremony is evidence that this work has not been unnecessarily delayed. Indeed, considering that the work was undertaken by a local company, without anyi experience of tramway construction, it may fairly be said to have progrosscxl expeditions!}'. Moreover, there is reason to suppose that it has" .been well and truly done. The permanent way has been firmly laid, the motor plant is powerful and " up-to-date," and the cars bear evidence of excellent workmanship. Altogether, there is reason to believe that, the people of Christchurch will have cause to be well satisfied with their tramway system. By the time the service is complete, it will have cost them £300,000. but the money is being well spent. Ths .twelve miles or so which have already been finished have cost a little more than £100,000. The total expenditure per mile ha.s been £8600, * which is £1000 less than the cost- of the various other electric tramway sy&terns in the colony. As far as cheapness is concerned: the municipally constructed service of Christchui'oh h&K already exhibited its superiority over the services of the other centres. After twelve months', trial, we shall not be surprised to learn that, in regard to strength, solidity and general utility, the local system is an improvement on its rivals. t