NO DELAY IN TRANSPORT JOB

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 658, 9 May 1929, Page 1

NO DELAY IN TRANSPORT JOB

Extension to Start at Once WORK FOR THREE HUNDRED •MATLRALLY 1 - am delighted at the overwhelming 11 endorsement of the Transport Board’s policy and the mterest the ratepayers have exhibited in supporting the undertaking- which they own,” stated Mr J A C Allum chairman of the board, -when asked by The Sun this morninto comment on the poll. ° “The first sod must be turned at the verv earliest possible date and I am sure the board will cut all red-tape away and take the quickest route to the job.”

The Point Chevalier and Dominion Road extensions will be commenced first,” continued Mr. Allum, ■and t anticipate that the latter work jriH be completed early next year, when the Remuera extension will be at once put in hand. The board’s policy is to maintain a continuous chain of development and, unlike the past, to have two extensions in hand at the one time, thus expediting the works and securing the fullest advantage from organisation. MONEY SPENT HERE "A very large part of the money will be spent in Auckland, in wages and material, and I am convinced that the approval of the loan marks the commencement of brighter times for Auckland generally. As soon as the works can be commenced men will be employed, and the number gradually increased until I anticipate there will be a maximum of some 300 directly and indirectly engaged. Not only will men be employed in the development work but permanent work will be available later to deal with the developed undertaking, “A total of 50 new tramcars will be provided for the existing services, and the extensions, and I trust sincerely that there will be no difficulty in having ail the vehicles built here in Auckland. FEEDER BUSES TO GO One effect of the sanctioning of the loan proposals would be the elimination of most of the costly feeder bus services, although a certain number oi buses would continue to be run to

meet adequately the transport requirements of all quarters of the city, Mr. Allum said. The Local Government Loans Board had declined to authorise the raising of long-dated loans for the purchase of more buses, and had directed that they should be provided out of the general fund of the undertaking. This the board could do with the assistance of its overdraft authority. Some new buses would be necessary to replace those now approaching the end of their economic life. The ratepayers could rest assured that any new trams and buses would be of the most up-to-date type, although specifications had not yet been agreed upon. “The board’s policy has resulted in stopping severe losses, and I believe that the close of the current year will show an even more marked 'improvement.” PREVIOUS TRAM POLL FAILURE; of 1927 LOAN When the Tramways Committee sought the authority of Auckland City ou August 17, 1927, to borrow £500,000 for tramway extensions and bus housing, the ratepayers rejected the proposal by 833 votes. Those favourable numbered 5,443, and against 4,276. In districts served by the trams the vote was adverse. Great North Road and Point Chevalier, however, were in favour.