TRAMWAY LOAN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19864, 5 February 1920, Page 5

TRAMWAY LOAN.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l feel sure the majority of the members of the City Council, who supported Councillor Flesher's motion m lavqur of sectional voting at the forthcoming tramway poll, did to through a misunderstanding. On further consideration they must realise that with a low- exceptions the thirty-iivo items in the _schedule are interdependent. What would, bo the position, for instance, if new lines were passed and rolling stock rejected, or if rolling stock was approved and additions to buildings (already overcrowded) was rejected, or if rolling stock and buildings wore both approved and additional power plant thrown out? Mr TTesher asks, too, how the increased standing charges are to be root., 7he answer is—in three ways, economies in repair shop through installation of modern machinery, and removal of present congestion through lack of car room. Natural growth of traffic. Increase in [area. Even with such increase Christchurch fares will-be lower than any other tramway in New Zealand if not, Australia. The standing charges referred to will foim but a small proportion of the inciease, which '‘will bo necessary in any case owing to the high cost, of repair material and increases in wages. If the public obtain improvements for which they often ask in the shape of more electric cars, more new trailers, more double track, better track facilities at racecourses, at terminals and in the centre of the city, I foci sure they will be prepared to pay ior them. As to new lines I have already stated that they will not pay tbofr wav from the start but will do so at an early dateI ram, extensions into a now area need a fairly thick population to make thorn pay completely, but people will not reside m now areas in large numbers until tram conveniences arc piovided. To require every new lino to pa\ its way from tho start is almost akin to requiring a child to bo able to swim before it is allowed to enter the water. If the Tramway Board, of which Mr Fleshor was once a valued member had adopted any other polity in the past then some ol the lines which are in operation to-day and nearly reaching pacing tioint, would never Dave been constructed. Would Mr Flesher like me to name thorn ?

Mr flesher expresses concern at the streets being used for new work without the City Council Demg consulted' lias lie forgotten that new work, including new loops as well as new lines, cannot be constructed without ariOrder-in-Council. Notice of intention to apply lor that order has to be advertised. 1 lans showing exact position of each rad are deposited for public inspection and copies as a matter of courtesy are cent to the local bodv in whose streets the licw work is to be laid. If grave dissatisfaction exists, and representations to the tramway Board are futile, t is objectors’ views can bo placed before the Public Works Department who have to approve the now lay-out. If that tads machinery exists for a poll of ratepayers to bo taken.. ihe Joan poll next Wednesday will make ror the further progress of the Umsrchnrch Tramway system, and mil, I am confident, receive the support of the people, but ns 1 have just intimated it is by no moans the last word on the matter.—l am, etc. JOHN mmi. Chairman. Christchurch Tramway Board.