TAKAPUNA’S VERDICT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 30, 28 April 1927, Page 1

TAKAPUNA’S VERDICT

Electors Decide Against Taking Over of Tramways FERRY COY. ABSORBS YELLOW BUSES The Takapunc, traffic tangle loses some of its kinks as a result of last night’s election, and a new development is that the Devonport Ferry Company is assuming control of Mr. A. Smith’s fleet of yellow buses. With the anti-municipalisation mayor and council, who swept the board at yesterday’s polls, to shape the policy of Takapuna borough, it is likely that the old-steam tramway system will remain idle, so that the transport arrangements, land and water, will be entirely in the hands of the Devonport Ferry Company.

So complete was the triumph of those who opposed the borough’s contemplated purchase that Mr. J. W. and his ticket were all returned. Seldom has such a decisive victory been scored in a New Zealand municipal election. Every member of the new council, as well as Mr. Williamson, is pledged to support the freedom of the highways and the system of cars and buses in preference to the Takapuna trams. Whatever happens to the tramway system it is now practically certain that it will not again function as a North Shore transportation agency. Who will shoulder the costs of its removal and the repair of the roads depends on interpretation of the deed of delegation. It was stated by Mr. A. M. Gould, a member of the new council, that he recollected no condition compelling the Takapuna Tramway Company, . to remove the rails. Their covenant was only to maintain them. NEW MAYOR’S PRONOUNCEMENT Mr. J. W. Williamson, the newlyelected Mayor of Takapuna, said this morning that he could not make a pronouncement without closely examining the deed of delegation. Discussing the policy of the new council, Mr. Williamson said that this would not definitely be announced until its first meeting next Wednesday. As far as he could say they would give the present system of transportation—introduced under the Devonport Company’s purchase—a trial and would not exercise the option claimed by the former mayor to have been held by the Takapuna Borough Council. “The people have indicated,” said Mr. Williamson, “that the trams no longer appeal to them. It is a clear and convincing verdict.” He added that, to obtain better facilities for the people, he had suggested certain improvements, such as destination signs for the buses at

Bayswater, to the Devonport Ferry Company, which had agreed to act on the suggestion. YELLOW BUSES COMPANY IN CONTROL OPTION NOT RECOGNISED By assuming control of the Yellow buses, which were a vital issue in the earlier stages of the North Shore traffic conflict, the Devonport Ferry Company has made another cardinal move. Control will be in the Devonport Company’s hands from this morning, and the company hopes to meet all the demands on the extensive services it now operates. Relating the reasons for the new move. Colonel W. D. Holgate, actingchairman of directors, said this morning that the system of dual control —with other Interests directing the Yellow fieet —had been making It impossible for his company to carry out a satisfactory and efficient service, and had prevented them from giving interchangeable tickets, as was intended. POLICY VINDICATED “We have also arranged,” he said, "to meet representatives of the Taka puna and Bayswater Ratepayers’ Association at 11 o’clock to-morrow morning in order to confer with them regarding our future running policy.” To-day the transport arrangements instituted at North Shore by the Devonport Company continued to function satisfactorily, with no trouble except minor hitches inseparable from a change-over on such a scale. Colonel Holgate said this morning that the verdict of the electors at yesterday’s polls was a vindication o' the company’s policy, and showed tha' the ratepayers had faith in its propc sals. As far as the option was cor cerned, that had not worried thenbecause they had at no time recog nised its existence.