STEPS TOO HIGH.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20281, 16 April 1934, Page 7

STEPS TOO HIGH.

Complaint Made to Tramway Board. A complaint was received by the Christchurch Tramway Board at its meeting this afternoon that the steps on many of the tramcars were too high, causing inconvenience to passengers. Several members supported the complaint, but a report from the engineer (Mr W. D. Revington) stated that the cost of altering the cars concerned would be £2OOO to provide low steps throughout. In face of this members could not see what could be done. The complaint came from the Somerfield Burgesses’ Association. Mrs E. R. M’Combs said that the complaint was justified, not only in that district alone, but practicallf in every route. A report from the engineer stated that there were twenty-three cars which would require adjustment. The cost of lowering one step in each case would be £2O, but .the £2OOO made piovision for lowering all the steps. Mr G. Manning said he had had complaints regarding the difficulty of boarding the one-man trams. “ But they are better than the other trams,” said a member. Mr G. T. Thurston said stout people found particular difficulty in boarding the trams. Mr E. J. Howard, M.P., said the board could not afford to spend £2OOO on cars that were obsolete. How was the board to get over that? “ And they will be in use for the next forty years,” said Mrs E. R. M’Combs. Mr J. Mathison said that the complaints referred particularly to Tennyson Street. Road reconstruction work would obviate the difficulties to a great degree. Mrs M’Combs said the complaints came from all parts of the city. Mr Archer suggested that two steps instead of one might be provided. The letter from the Burgesses’ Association was received.