THE TRAMWAYS BOARD.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11483, 16 January 1903, Page 6

THE TRAMWAYS BOARD.

- ♦ ' Mi H. B. Sorensen. who is a candidate for a seat on the Tramways Board, writes to say that he is in favour of the tramways being owned by the municipalities. Mr H. Wigraan has sent th& following replies to the questions forwarded by tbe Trades' and Labour Council: — Sir,—l am in receipt of yours of the. 12th inst nt, asking me, as a candidate for the Tramway Board, certain question... Regarding No. 1, viz., the purchase of plant from the existing companies I can only point out that the Board may find it necessary to do so, pending the completion of a new installation. In that case a careful valuation would be reg- 'red; but' it should be sufficiently clear to everyone that no beard of business men would purchase obsolete plant except for soma such special reason as the above. Question No. 2 I have already rep.ied to. Questions No 9. 3 and 5 relate to labour, rates of pay, hours, day labour, and preference to unionists. It appears to me that all these matters are governed by the Arbitration Court awards, and that I should be guilty of a gross breach of trust towards the i-lecl-ors if I were to attempt to catch votes by making promises of special condition*; . o tho workers--.

Question No. 4- I would certainly give a preference to .ocal manufactures, quality and price being equal.—l am, yours, etc., Henry Wigram.