TRAM COMPARISONS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 70, 19 September 1930, Page 11

TRAM COMPARISONS

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Having been a resident of Dunedin from the inception of the electric car system, and having lived for the last twelve months in Wellington, like your correspondent Mr. L. D. Austin, I am fairly conversant as a layman to the systems in vogue in each town and can vouch that most of what, your correspondent says is true. . .

What he says with regard to Kilbirnie is quite correct, and many times I have been left standing much to my annoyance. This is a matter, however, that does not affect the financial side, as one has simply to wait and cool their heels. The lack o£ courtesy, cohesion, and common-sense is very noticeable in the Wellington system.

In Duuedin the question of inspectors is a paramount one. Can one say the same of Wellington? I have observed passengers get through without payment of fares. This occurs mostly between Courtenay place and Lamb ton quay. Cars are overcrowded. Passengers are not too keen to move aside, and the conductor, pushing and edging his way through, has not much chance to' collect all fares. On "crush" afternoons during football season, I have noticed many passengers whose fares have not been collected getting a free ride to Athletic Park gates.

Would it be too much to ask you to state what is the difference between the average weekly. earnings, including overtime of conductors, and motormen in Wellington as against Dunedin. What amount is paid in Wellington in the matter of overtime?

It would seem to me also that the outlying districts are too well catered for. I have frequently noticed cars from Karori and other outlying districts start without passengers. "Surely ..this is where the waste could be stopped.. ■ ■ One of the advantages: that Dunedin has over Wellington is,in the matter of the starting place for cars. AH cars north and south'I'stai-t ,at "arid about Cargill's Monument in the centre'of the busiest portion of the city. A car starting at Cargill's Monument goes its penny section and then returns to'the''central starting point for more passengers, and is therefore earning all the time it is in use. It might pay the Wellington Council to consider the question of a central starting point for cars. .

My opinion .is.. tbiit ■Wellington is, like the New Zealand railways, overburdened with non-paying lines. Looking ahead has its advantages, but is too expensive for the ratepayers, ■ and it would be much to Wellington's advantage to copy the goslow policy, of■ the Dunedin peoi)le. My firm conviction is that it is the expenses side which requires the closest overhauling. Why not publish side by side tables giving the difference between Dunedi'n and Wellington in running expenses, etc.? Suggestions for increasing revenue would probably lead to suggestions for increasing the expenditure. Sly suggestions are fov the :council to tighten their hold: ■or ..the short; distance' traveller and see that every fare, is by adequate inspection and to thoroughly examine the expenditure account, and lastly to reduce the timetable of non-paying lines.—l am, etc., - '. P.B. (To the Editor.) Sir, —In your paper of last evening a letter, under, the heading of "Tram Comparisons" ; was ■ published, which included some remarks. regarding;; our Wellington tramwaymen". I have travelled on trams in many "cities in other 'countries and, nor where have" I been so pleased with the courtesy shown as.in -Wellington. As regards the remarks made by your correspondent about the methods of conductors and drivers at the various termini (Miramar included), I have no hesitation in asserting that—at any rate as far as the latter is concerned—the statements made are entirely"-incorrect.' I frequently travel on this line and-have always seen the utmost consideration shown to all passengers.- : ' : "..'" I am quite sure my experience is only one of many, for no fair-minded person could fail to appreciate the courtesy o£ the tramwaymen. They are to be congratulated on their unfailing thought and care for all passengers in general and the children, the aged in particular.—l am, etc., . L. M. TALBOTT. 17th September.