MOTOR SERVICE FOR HAMILTON

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5150, 5 November 1912, Page 2

MOTOR SERVICE FOR HAMILTON

COMPANY TO BE FORMED. An enthusiastic meeting of those 1 interested in the establishment of a , motor service for Hamilton was held lin the old borough chambers last I night. Mr Morton, chairman of the | Business Men’s League presided. ! Apologies were received from Dr. I Brcwis, Messrs Gillies, Gruar, MauI ning, Ross and’Sample. I The following report from the I committee appointed to go thoroughly i into the matter was laid on the table: —“The company is being formed for the purpose of carrying on passenger services per motor omnibus between Hamilton and surrounding districts, initial efforts being confined to a service between Hamilton and Frankton, The remarkable expansion that has marked these places during the past few years, and the increasingly urgent need for some fast and reliable communication lias convinced the promoters that the time, is opportune for launching a service which cannot but prove a popular public institution and a good financial proposition for the shareholders. Proposed capital of £ISOO, divided into 1500 shares of one pound each, payable—On application, 2s G.i per share; on allotment 7s 6d per share; in three months, , ■os per share; in six months, 5a per , share. Proposed expenditure: One l motor chassis (due in Auckland) j about the middle of December) £035, ( body £120; printing, legal expenses, j advertising, flotation, etc., £150; | garage fitted up with accommodation for two men, £250; working capital, I £.345; total, £ISOO. Fares: It is i proposed to divide the route into two • three-penny sections. Reports have ' been obtained from three experts ' who have estimated the total costs of running at between 10Jd and 11-2 3d per mile. They all state that Hamilton and district is an ideal proposition for motor 'buses. On their figures this would mean that the trip from Frankton to Hamilton Post Office would cost 14d. In order to ..give ample margin and make full allowances for state of roads and every possible contingency the cost per trip has been reckoned at 2s. It is suggested to run some 32 trips per diem except Sundays. It would be necessary to carry on an average four passengers per trip to pay the service. In view of the present and future traffic it is felt that above the average may easily be looked for, and will probably be much exceeded. The promoters, whilst primarily interested in developing business in Hamilton and

district, feel convinced that the proposal is a thoroughly sound one, and that when the service has been in force for sonic little time, the public will begin to wonder however they got along for such a considerable time without some up-to-date transit scheme. The chassis which is under offer is of a well-known make and will he thoroughly tasted before being taken over. The building of the type of car body must he suitable for local requirements and can he put in hand immediately it is decided to go on with the work, so that if mutters are pushed ahead the service can bn inaugurated early in the new year.” The chairman, in a somewhat lengthy speech, detailed all steps taken up to the present and stated that the report of the committee was based on the most reliable data ob-

tainable; rough tallies had been taken of the number of passengers arriving by those trains which did not touch Hamilton; also of those travelling between Hamilton and Frankton by 'bus. Jt was highly desirable that a service should he provided to bring these passengers into Hamilton as quickly, as comfortably and as cheaply as possible. It was to their interests as business men to do this, as apart from dividends paid by (he company the business of their town would benefit. In stating tiic probable expenditure the committee had in each case put down a figure allowing a considerable margin over the probable coat of the several items so as to allow ample to cover all possible contingencies. They based their estimate on one vehicle, as this could he placed on

the road early in the new year, and if the results from this proved satisfactory they could launch out further. It would of course, bo necessary to run to a timetable between Hamilton Post Office and Frankton Post Office, and in addition they could run some trips to suit local requirements. 'J he chassis they had in mind was practically on the spot; it was .30 horsepower and would carry two tons. The committee had carefully and fully considered all possible schemes, but the weight of evidence was in favour of the motor ’bus—in fact, “there was nothing else in it.’’ He then referred to the many advantages possessed by this system over any other, and concluded ' by stating that, as a business man, he knew of no more feasible project than that in view, as all must recognise that the future of Hamilton was bound up in some form of motor transit. Mr (Irocott brought up the ques-

tion of depreciation, and was informed that this was reckoned in the running expenses; experts agreeing that a mileage ratio was the most reliable method of calculation. Hew tyres weie also included in this estimate. Mr Northcroft stated that he had recently read that in London the rail system could not compete with the motor 'buses. The chairman said that rail cars would not be suitable to Hamilton, and while the railless trolley cars were good feeders to a rail-car system they would not be so serviceable acre as motor ’buses. Mr Grant considered that they would run considerable risk of being mable to adhere to a timetable with only one vehicle on account of mis

The chairman admitted that such a contingency was possible; but Mr Shaw stated the English chassis were now so near perfection that there need be little misgiving as to breakdowns; though accidents, of course, might occur. Mr Ncrthcroft did not think the capital proposed was largo enough, and suggested that it be made £SOOO. They need not call it up, but could allot shares when £ISOO had been applied fur. 11 was a costly proceeding for a company to increase Us capital, as they had to obtain the sanction of the Supremo Court; but if they made it sufficiently large at the commencement the only extra cost was the annual license fee. The chairman stated that a capital of £2OOO would provide for two ears, and receipts would come in at once. There would bo no bad debts. In reply to further queries, it was stated that thejeommitteo thought the garage should be situated at the far end of Hamilton East; and that the speed of the ’bus would average 12j :

miles an hour. Mr Nortlicroft then moved; “That a company be formed to provide for motor transit in and around Hamilton,” He did not think it advisable to lose any further time, and they should embrace the present opportunity to secure the chassis available and get it on the road this season, - Mr Grocott seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The capital of the company was fixed at £SOOO, in 5000 shares at £1 each, payable as follows: 2s (Id on application, 7s Gd on allotment, ns in three months, and 5s in six months; the directors being authorised to proceed to allotment when I GOO aliurea have been applied for. Mr Tukle was elected secretary pro tern, and the following provisional directors were appointed: Dr. lircvvjH, Messrs Bond, Grihhk 1 , Grocott, Mason, Morton and Ross.