CITY COUNCIL v. TRAMWAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2238, 4 June 1881, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL v. TRAMWAY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —During the wholesale discussion of this question in the Press and at almost every street corner, I have always argued that it was neither the interest nor the intention of the by-law committee or City Council to make onerous or vexatious regulations for the tramway traffic. But after being favored with a perusal of the proposed by-law, and on reading Councillor Oherrill’s letter in the “ Globe,” I have completely changed my mind. I now fully understand the significance of the Council refusing to consult the company or even allow it to have a copy of the by-law. Councillor Cherrill admits the bylaw traverses the deed of concession and Order in Council, but it would be a costly procedure in the Supreme Court to establish a breach of the covenants of deed or Order in Council, whereby a forfeiture of the rights of the company might be made by the Council, It is necessary to make by-laws with money penalties, in other words, “turn and hedge ” the company and its traffic with most absurd regulations, so that it will eternally be summoned before the magistrates and mulct in fines. If this is not vexatious interference pray toll me what can be. Councillor Cherrill says it is necessary to make a by-law to fix stands and the use of them, but it appears that the stand in the square is not the one originally agreed upon between the Council and company, and is withal strongly objected to by the company as insufficient and impracticable to work. One of two things is clear to my mind, either the object in making the by-law is destroy the rights of the Tramway to west side of the street in the square, or to trample the traffic, jeopardise the lives of the passengers, and cripple the efforts of the company to serve the public. In cither case the Council are not justified in so doing. The fact of no other local authority in the colony attempting to interfere with its system of trains, should surely be some reason for our Council declining to rush in where “ angels fear to tread.” Now that Or. Cherrill has disclosed the intentions of the Council, let there be a public meeting of ratepayers, and thorough expression of opinion on the matter. Ido not for a moment believe that fhe public will submit to any interference with the tramway traffic by the Council. FAIBI'IAT.