TRAMWAYS BILL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10926, 15 November 1913, Page 1

TRAMWAYS BILL.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MAKES ALTERATiOiNB. . [From Oir Coitr.Ei'ro.vDENT.] WELLLN'GTCLN, November 13. Quito a new Tramways Bill has been evolved by tho select committee of the Legislative Council which was set up to consider tho measure passed by the House of Representatives. The alterations do not dispose of the insistence on a. central pa,ssage way, but the exception made in respect to double platform bogey cars, similar to ono in use on the Auckland system, has been deleted. August 1, 1914, was the date fixed for the operation of the Act, but the Council committee has altered the term 'to Juno 1 nest, and makes an important concession enabling fifty per cent of the cars now in uso to continue to run without the central passage-way until December 1. Tho fourteen-inch limit placed on the height of steps on traiucars has been deleted and in its place appears a clause providing indefinitely that the steps must bo placed so that passengers may safely enter or alight. A " new clause enables a local authority in whose district a. tramway exists to order alterations or repairs which are considered necessary to insure safe working, subject to tho promoters' right of appealing to the Minister of Public. Works within seven days. ___________ The secretary of tho Wellington branch of the Xavy League is advised that H.M.S. Pyramus and H.M.S. Psycho are to remain at Auckland and Wellington respectively till the termination of the strike. H.M.S. Philomel is to arrive at Wellington about December 9 from England. H.M.S. Torch is at Sydney, and is expected m. Wellington early in December.