MOUNT EDEN TRAMWAYS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIX, Issue 16, 19 October 1907, Page 30

MOUNT EDEN TRAMWAYS.

STARTING THE WORK. MAYOR TURNS THE FIRS?: ROCK. Residents in the Borough of Mt. Eden will be pleased to learn that, after waiting so long, a start was made last week to connect that district with the Auckland tramway system. The commencement of operations was made a public function, and in consequence of this fact, a number of ladies and gentlemen assembled at eight o’clock on Monday at the corner by the Eden and Epsom Club’s tennis courts, to witness the turning of the first rock in connection with this work. Amongst those present were the Mayor (Mr. Oliver Nicholson), Councillors J. Davis, E. Yates, S. G. Burns, W. Woolley, R. R. Ross, E. H. Potter, J. P. Hooton, T. S. Jacka, and C, Hudson. Mr. W. Edwards, representing Messrs. John McLean and Sons, the contractors for laying the tramlines, first handed to the Mayor a morocco case containing a pick, shovel, and spade of silver, with polished puriri handles. Mr. Edward's said: “Mr. Mayor, on behalf of the contractors I have pleasure in handing to you tools to enable you to properly fulfil your duty on this occasion.” (Applause.) The Mayor then stepped on to an improvised rostrum in the shape of a packing case, and, after thanking Mr. Edwards, said: “Ladies and gentlemen, we hava met together this morning foe the purpose of witnessing the commencement of a work, the completion of which w’c have so long waited for. (Applause.) I refer to laying the electric traction system along both of the main roads in this borough.” (Applause.) Mr. Nicholson said he did not require to take up their time by any lengthy remarks at that hour of th,e morning. This work should put an end to the bitterness and the division in the borough, which had been most regrettable, and should never have existed. He contended that subsequent events was ample testimony, that the actions of their representatives in the past were right, and in the best interests of . the district as a whole. Ha was glad to be able to state definitely, that it was intended to construct a double track on Mt. Eden-road, and there was every indication that there would also be a double track laid along Dominion-road. (Applause.) He trusted that now this matter was finally settled, residents on both sides of the borough would be satisfied at the carrying out of a work which must mean a great advance to the district. " The fact that the contractors for the Tramway Company, were Messrs. McLean and .Sons was a guarantee that the work would be speedily carried out. In connection with the introduction of electric traction, it was necessary to reconstruct the two main roads of the borough, and a contract had also been let for that work. When that work was completed, they would have two roads in the Mt. Eden Borough second to none in Auckland, with the exception of Queen-street. (Applause.) He would not detain them longer, as he knew that the men were very anxious to start work. (Laughter.) It meant a loss to the contractor while they were standing idle. It was now his privilege, as Mayor, to turn the first sod, or as the Press put it, to turn the first rock. He trusted that the work they were starting that day would materially help to make Mt. Eden one of the most populous and popular suburbs of Auckland. (Cheers.) The Mayor then descended from his rostrum, and was handed a pick, which he took with the remark, “Which is the softest place to start on?” (Laughter.) Mr. Nicholson then began work in earnest, on the middle of the road, and struck so vigorously that a bystander was heard to remark, “There is no Government stroke about that.” After he had made some impression on the scoria, the Mayor took the shovel and turned the first lot of ground in connection with the important work of tramway extension.

After three hearty cheers liad been given for the Mayor, the gathering dispersed. It will interest residents to know that the contract time for laying the trams is 18 weeks.