INCREASED FARES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17193, 9 November 1923, Page 1

INCREASED FARES.

ON TRAMS TO SHOW. Indignation is expressed by officials of the Canterbury A. and P. Association at th© action of the Tramway Board in charging 9rl for a single fare to the Show Grounds last evening and Is for a return ticket. This policy, it is claimed, not only kept large numbers of people from going to the Show Grounds, but has greatly prejudiced the attempt, of the association to popularise the grounds as the venue of night carnivals, a thing that, had it succeeded, would undoubtedly have been of benefit to the Tramway Board. Mr G. Denniston, secretary of the association, told a reporter last evening that the action of the Tramway Board constituted a distinct breach of agreement with the association. In the advertisements announcing the night carnival the association had stated that the fare to Whiteleigh Avenue would be 2d. In response to this, Mr Frank Thompson, general manager of the tramways, wrote as follows to the secretary of the association ;

“ Tt is noted that you are advertising that the fare to the Show Grounds on Thursday night next will be 2d. This is incorrect. Special cars will run as usual on both routes at 6d single and 9d return. There will be only an ordinary car service at ordinary fares, viz., one car per trip, which will be quite insufficient for 6how passengers. AVill you please cancel your advertisement or else leave out the reference to the tram fares?’” In the face of this definite statement, said Mr Denniston, the tramway authorities had charged 9d single and Is return. The result was that large numbers of people, when they learned what the fares were, refused to go out to the grounds. “We are trying to popularise the grounds,” said Mr Denniston. “ and wo have spent practically £5.50 in the installation of the necessary lighting. The tramways are simply ‘ d uelling (heir own pitch.’ The people will not pay such price 6.” MANAGER SILENT. Mr F. Thompson, general manager of the Tramways, was asked to-day to make a statement for publication on the subject, but said that he did not wish to do so.. It is understood that it will come before the Board.