Noise Elimination in America

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 94, 15 January 1935, Page 11

Noise Elimination in America

Sir. —In your editorial entitled, "The War on Noise,” published last Friday, I read the following question: “Is there any witness in our midst who can tell us that it is really possible to have a tramway system which can be run without compelling people to raise their voices in conversation?” My answer to that is: "Yes”; and I wish to offer my testimony that it is possible. For a number of years up to about two months, ago, I was a resident of California. While I was living in San Francisco, the Market* Street Railway Company, owing to intense competition from the municipally-owned street-car line, was forced to make some considerable improvements to its rolling-stock and tracks. The main object of these improvements was to lessen noise both inside and outside the cars. I am not familiar with the steps they took to accomplish this, except that they made considerable use of rubber. However, 1 must say that they were highly successful and I would conservatively say that they reduced noise fifty per cent. May I suggest tha- responsible authorities write to the Market Street Railway Company, San Francisco, and ask for information regarding the methods used? 1 am certain that the company will be only too glad to oblige.—l am, etc., A WEEK-END VISITOR. Wellington, January 12.