SHORT CUT TO KARORI.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1451, 28 May 1912, Page 6

SHORT CUT TO KARORI.

.THE SYDNEY STREET LOOP. A deputation, representing the -Karon Borough Council and tho Xnrflilnnd Ratepayers' Association, interviewed the Tramways Committee of the Wellington City Council yesterday afternoon, with reference to tho ((iKvtion of shortening the existing route to Knrori by way of a loop line via Sydney Street or ; alternatively, .Hill Street. This question has been frequently ventilated during « recent period. The deputation m? introduced bv Councillor John Smith. llr. Sinbbs (of Die Northland Ratepayers' Association) said that a loop line from Charlotte Street to Tin.ikori Road, via Hill.Street, would shorten the existing route by Hf> chains, and would confer <i very great, convenience upon the business people residing in Nurthlnml and Knrori, and the hill-dwellers generally. Mr. Houston (Northland Ratepayers' Association) said that a review of Iho considerations bearing upon all (lie proposals tor shortening the route—there were five—reduced to the region of practicability two of these, the Sydney Street and Hill Street loops. The adoption of either of these would, inter alia, greatly popularise the Botanical Gardens, which would thus be brought within cohvonient reach of the city.

Mr. C. Cathie, Mayor of Karori, said that it would bo too much to say that they were absolutely unanimous on the question as to the special means which should l>o adopted to shorten tho route. Mr. Cathie went on to say that the tramway to Karori had not developed the district as had beuu expected, the great objection being the length of the line, and tho resultant inconvenience and expense to the publio. He was averse -to a shorter ro'uto which would involve loss of revenue to the existing line, and this was tho principal reason why they considered that the latter should bo tapped by a loop. He felt; cerjain that such a loop would greatly- popularise the Gardens, and that the pK/position. would bt, a payable one, both from the city aud suburban point of view. In reply, tho Mayor (Mr. D. M'Laren) said that whatever idea was adopted it would have to be a paying proposition. Increased requirements with respect to depreciation in plant, etc., had to be regarded as a per contra to the increase in tramway revenue, and the fact remained that the net balance was a decreasing, not an increasing, 'quantity. Ho had just received tho report of tho City Tramways Board on the questions referred to with regard to the shortening of the route, and he could tell them that the board was inclined to the Sydney Street proposition. However, the whole question was for the consideration of the council, and resolved itself into a question of finance.