THE ONE-MAN CARS.

Southland Times, Issue 18849, 15 June 1920, Page 4

THE ONE-MAN CARS.

Councillor Mackrell has supplied the Town Council with a valuable report and one that confirms all that the Southland Times has said regarding the necessity ot ordering one-man safety cars for the Invercargill service without delay. Councillor Mackrell evidently went to a lot of trouble to obtain the views of the Australian experts on the best methods of meeting the new problems arising in tramway operation and the replies reduced to essentials wore that the cue-man car offered the only solution to the difficulties raised by the increased charges for labour and material. He seems to have set at rest also the idea that it will be in the interests of this town to place its orders for new ears in Australia. From the statements that Council lor Mackrell makes it seems to us abundantly clear that if wc go to Australia for our cars we will get something not quite as good as the American-made goods and at a price that will not be any lower than that quoted by the foreign firm. The Burney car that Councillor Mackrell mentions has a good reputation and in genera] characteristics it is very similar to the Brill, though its price he assures us is probably lower. We are not concerned for the moment with the advantages of one make of car over another, but we are eager that something shall be done in this matter at once. There has been too much delay and the excessive caution displayed by the councillors has cost the borough a considerable sum already, more than enough, it seems to us, to offset the advantage that may be gained by securing cars at a price several hundred pounds lower than the one quoted to the council on a previous occasion. The applicability' and the absolute necessity for a light one-man car with safety’ appliance is beyond doubt and the time has come for action. Councillor Mackrcll’s report will come before the council to-night and we hope that action under it will be expedited.