BOROUGH IS DIVIDED ON TRAFFIC RELIEF

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 378, 12 June 1928, Page 16

BOROUGH IS DIVIDED ON TRAFFIC RELIEF

NEWMARKET’S PROBLEM MAYOR STATES HIS CASE In dealing with the relief of traffic congestion, the people of Newmarket Borough have to face not only the difficulty of access and egress, but a divided council. The Mayor, and with him a small percentage of the council, favours a traffic route which is meeting with spirited opposition from the remaining councillors and business interests. The Mayor, Mr. S. Donaldson, exing at Newmarket last evening, when in gat Newmarket last evening, when there were between 200 and 300 people present. Mr. S. Newport presided. The Mayor explained that the scheme for the relief of traffic had been propounded by Mr. Samson, and had been adopted by the council after extensive investigation and careful reports by the city tramways department, and other traffic experts with a knowledge of local conditions.

The main feature of the scheme is so to alter the position of the tram stops that the traffic coming through Broadway will get a clear run, instead of being held up as is now the case. Safety zones are provided so that motor-cars will not have to stop when trams are stationary. The scheme is estimated to cost in the vicinity of £1,200, of which the Newmarket Borough share Is £750. The Mayor contended that the alteration of the stops, far from acting to the detriment of the business people, would facilitate the operations of shoppers at both ends of the town. Several questions were asked at the conclusion of the Mayor’s address, Mr. Donaldson explaining that the Auckland Automobile Association had not regarded the scheme with favour, but had insisted upon a clear run for traffic through Broadway, and the shifting of the Station Street stop. The meeting passed a resolution approving the Mayor’s scheme, and appointing a deputation to wait upon the council and place the case before it. Messrs. Newport, Winter and Philpotts were deputed for this service. REQUISITION TO COUNCIL A requisition signed by 120 businessmen and ratepayers is to be presented to the Newmarket Borough Council tomorrow evening, protesting against the tram section being Interfered with. The council, the signatories state, has never discussed the question of the section end. and objection is taken to the council sending the question forward to the City Council until this has been done.