TRAMWAY LINE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 175, 5 August 1901, Page 3

TRAMWAY LINE.

\To the Editor of the Times.)

Sin, — In reply to “ Thorough,” I will liavo pleasure in giving hiui wliafc information .1 can, but cannot go very closely into details, as one would have to ascertain the quantities required and market prices. I will take the questions in order 1. What would he the si/,c ot the rails and their cost ?—The lightest rails procurable. at convenient lengths ; they would be about one-third of the weight of tho rails now to be seen used as telephone posts, l’riee quotations could be obtained from Messrs JDuthio and Co., of Wellington. 2. What would he the gauge and cost of metalled way—The gauge would not be more than -it; it could bo made less to suit convenience. If I understand “ metalled way ” aright, none is required. a. What would be the cost of sleepers ? All tho sleepers required would bo bits of cheap firewood, about three inches in diameter, or less, according to the ground. The bed of tho road is sufficient for all purposes. 4. Where could tho rails be obtained ? A telegram to Wellington would decide that, but I think they would have to bo written for or cabled for from England, to got the light sine. 5. When could they bo obtained ? Tho reply is given in the foregoing number. I think fhe best way would be to get the rails by some of the ocean tramps that visit Gisborne. Two men could lay the rails at the rate of 200 yards a day, easily.

6. What would be the cost of each horse per month That would vary according to the price of fodder, but a pound a week would do it well for fodder. I quite agree with “ Borough’s ” idea us to a big contract, but it would be cheaper in the long run for the local bodies to take the matter in hand themselves. They can obtain tho money cheaper, have broader backs to bear any risks, and do not wish to make profit except what they can make by cheapening the process. —I am, etc., Patutahi.