NO RATES.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18235, 20 November 1924, Page 9

NO RATES.

"TRAM USERS SHOULD PAY." MR J. W. BEANLAND'S VIEWS. In tho course of somo valedictory remurks at tho Tramway Board yesterday Mr J. W. BcanJand, who is not socking re-election, expressed tho opinion tliat the trams should be run .it the expense of tho users, and that rates should not bo struck to make u\> any deficiency. "As one with an interest in the city," Mr Beanland said, ''l trust that the Board's attitude will be, as it has been in tho i>ast, that the trams will bo run at tho expense of tho users of tho trams. I was struck with a paragraph in ono of Mr Taylor's recent letters, in which ho mentioned that those conducting tram services in England contemplated running the services by striking rates. That may be some people's idea of running «, tramway service, but I trust that this iJoard will do everything possible before a rate is struck in connexion with tho tramway service." Mr Boanland, in liis opening remarks, said that as he would not bo present sit the Board's meeting on Monday, lie desired to express the pleasure he had experienced in sitting <is a member of the Board. When elected three years ago he had no idea. of the amount of work put in by members in running the trams: he had thought thiit mnning a tramway system was merely routine work, but after a few months on the Board he «aw that careful management was necessary to ma,ke things meet—ho had, till then, no idea thsit the Board ■was working so close to the borderlino of profit and loss. He could see from indications since the Board; reduced fares that it wss going to be placed in a tighter position than before.

"I am retiring from the Board," Mr Beixnland concluded, "perhaps not altogether willingly, but seeing that 1 am going to strive for a higher position in the city in the future, I am leaving myself clear to be able to do what I think right. I thank the Board for their courtesy extended to me, and I -wish the.Board success."

The Hon. J. Barr, M.L.C., saidthr.t ho believed that lie was voicing tho opinion of members in expressing regret that Mr Beanland was not seeking re-election because Mr Beanland, like the chairman (Mr Pearee), was apractical man, and though it was desirable to have theoretical men for certain purposes, it .was almost imperative for such an undertaking asi the tramways to have men with practical knowledge of construction. As they all knew, Mr Beanhttid'e knowledge and experience had been of great benefit to the Board and he>/regretted exceedingly that Mr Beanland was not coming forward again as he felt euro that lie would be returned.

The chairman (Mr H. Pearee) said that, speaking for the members of the Board, they were sorry to" lose Mr Beanlrtnd, and they would ha.ve been only too pleased to have him with them again. (Applause.)