THE TRAMWAY QUESTION.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 300, 3 December 1884, Page 2

THE TRAMWAY QUESTION.

A meeting of the Public Works Committee of the Cook County Council was held in the Council Chamners yesterday afternoon. Present—Messrs Gannon (in the chair) Sunderland, Chambers, Ferris, Wallace, Trimmer and Smith. The Chairman explained that the object of the meeting was to consider what terms the Council would be able to accept or give in the matter of constructing a tramway to Patutahi and OrrAoiid. The promoters, who were practical men, suggested a light railway with 40. b rails and averaging a speed of ten mite> per hour. They would take no responsibility as |to the maintenance of roads were it was necessary to run the line upon them. He (the chairman) presumed the guarantee would be based upon the quantity of metal which would be required within the next three years. Mr. Sunderland said there were two things in the proposal which required consideration. One was the seven years committal of the Council to the arangements. He did not think the Council had power to commit the ratepayers to an arrangement for seven years, and furthermore they had no money. If the speed was ten miles an hour there would be many accidents. Both Mr. Chambers and Mr. Sunderland considered it would be a mistake to allow the line to be placed on the road at all. It was suggested that the company should purchase land within say halfia mile of the road for the purposes of the line. The Council would be able to purchase the line if it were paying. Captain Winter read estimates of cost. Mr. Sunderland suggested that having in view the fact that this Council will require 45.000 yards of stone, they will undertake to pay 2* 6d per ton haulage. Or. Chambers proposed, and Or. Sunderland seconded : “ That in any communication with companies the Council inform them that steam tramways will not be permitted on road lines, but on such general lines as may be appointed by the Engineer.” Cr. Sunderland proposed, and Cr. Chambers second : “ That in any agreement the Council give the sole right to haul metal from the Patutahi quarry for seven years.” Cr. Chambers suggested that the Engineer fix the quantity required from Patutahi and Ormnnd quarries.

Cr. Ferris opposed committing the Council to use Patutahi metal, while Ormond metal was unprospected. A long discussion took place. Cr. Ferris proposed, and Cr. Wallace seconded, “ That £6O be expended in prospecting the Ormond district for stone, within a fortnight.” Cr. Chambers proposed, and Cr. Sunderland seconded, “ That £lO be expended.” Both motion and amendment were lost. Proposed by Cr. Chambers, and seconded by Cr. Sunderland, “ That the terms to be offered to contractors be printed, and all facilities be offered to capitalists. Also that the Engineer amend the schedule, and attach a report to that of this committee.” Cr. Chambers proposed, “ That the tram or railway company shall have the first right to lay a branch line to any other quarry that may be opened in the district.” Seconded by Cr. Trimmer and carried. On the proposal of Cr. Chambers, Crs. Sunderland and Gannon were appointed a sub-committee to draw up a report to be submitted to the Council on Thursday afternoon. This concluded the business.