ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS. Is it to be "Taihoa" or "Go-Ahead " ?

Free Lance, Volume I, Issue 38, 23 March 1901, Page 8

ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS. Is it to be "Taihoa" or "GoAhead " ?

THE City Council have done well to promptly adopt the comprehensive tramways scheme submitted by their engineer. No purpose of practical utility will be served by delay. If the councillors have any confidence in Mr. Rounthwaite's professional skill and experience, then they must trust him with the details. As for the mam features, they cannot fail to commend themselves to general acceptance. These mam features, we take it, are the mode of traction and the line of route. * # • As to the first, there is conclusive evidence m favour of electric tramways on the overhead trolly system. It has been introduced in the most progressive cities in the United Kingdom and America, and is found to answer most admirablyIn fact, this mode of traction has proved its superiority over all others, and, if the City Council were to sit and incubate and cackle from now till Christmas over that matter, they would accomplish nothing by their labours. • • • Upon the question of route, there is an inviting field for playing blind man's bluff. If the engineer is to be discarded m favour of the man in the street, then the man in the street is named Legion, and everyone of him has an independent scheme of his own in his coatpocket The newspapers have published a sample lot during the last few days, and their variety is positively charming We are only surprised that somebody has not come forward as yet to advocate the branch line up Phmmer's Steps.

After all, there can be no doubt the present line of tramway will have to be followed. The suggested extensions are needed, and others, which are now advocated, can be added as ways, means, and circumstances justify and require. For much of the detail involved in the report — double lines, gauge, and so forth — we must trust ourselves largely to the expert. It is the safest plan. What is wanted, above everything, is an up-to-date system of electric trams, at the earliest possible period compatible with sound and serviceable workmanship. Mr. Kounthwaite promises us the completion of the entire scheme within two and a half years, and Thorndon and Newtown may be connected by the double line of electric tramways in two years. • • • It remains for the burgesses to stamp the scheme with their approval, so that authority may be obtained to borrow the £225,000 that is required. We have no doubt that authority will be cheerfully given. As for the further scheme of raising a loan of £53,610 for wood-pavmg, it is a matter of much less urgency. It can wait, if necessary. But the public convenience, and the growing wants of the city, imperiously demand the electric trams. They will relieve the congestion of population and cheapen the cost of living.