"REALLY MONSTROUS."

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1264, 20 October 1911, Page 5

"REALLY MONSTROUS."

» CITT COUNCIL ON LEGISLATURE'S ATTITUDE. At the City Council last night. Councillor Smith moved to thank the Mayor, Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P., for his efforts in t the Houso of Representatives to mitigate the' obnoxious features of the Tramways Bill. Councillor Fletcher seconded. He was sure the city was deeply indebted to tho Mayor. He did not know why so many members, especially Christchurch members, concerned themselves so much where Wellington's interests were affected. Councillor Fuller said that what had gono through Parliament was a most disastrous thing. However, they still had a hope that the Legislative Council would throw the Bill out. He wanted to know why there wore not other voices, as wall as the Mayor's, against tho Bill. Tho Bill would reduce tho seating capacity of the trams by one-third. It meant that there could never bo any cheap fares in Wellington. It was obnoxious, and tho council should utiliso the timo which yet Teraained to get the ears of the Legislative Council, and get them to refer the Bill back to the House of Representatives. Councillor M'Kenzio said the Bill would have, been a ■ disastrous thing to Wellington had it passed in its original form. Ho was sorry there was not ft better understanding between national and municipal Government. Councillor Shirtcliffe said that it was really monstrous that an undertaking such as, tho Wellington city tramways should be hampered and interfered with by legislation as Wellington's tramways had been in tho last twelve months. This was the best managed tram system in New Zealand, and the interference was most disheartening. The motion was carried with acclamation. The Mayor thanked the councillors. Ho 6aid that it had been a single-handed fight, but that was .not because of non-co-operation of other Wellington momobrs; the other members left the matter to horn because they thought ho was moro conversant with the facts. Councillor M'Laren and ex-Councillor Luke had supported him. "This constant attempt to interfere with municipal tramways was most objectionable. He did not know where it was going to end. Regarding Councillor Fuller's suggestion ho said he had already interviewed many of tho ■ Legislative Councillors and put tho citizen's position before them.