OPEN TRAMS WANTED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 698, 25 June 1929, Page 11

OPEN TRAMS WANTED

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LIKES WELLINGTON TYPE NO CHANGE TO BE MADE Suggesting that open centred trams with saloons at the end should be given a trial, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce wrote to the Transport Board this morning. The chamber thought that the Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington types were suited to Auckland in view of the milder climate. “Even if the adoption of an open type of tram involves additional capital expenditure, this would be offset largely by economy of staff and rolling stock due to more expeditious handling of traffic during peak-loading times, and would also provide a valuable saving of time to the public,” stated the chamber. This body felt that the present trams were unsuited to rapid picking up and setting down of passengers in Queen Street. “I am strongly in favour of the open type,” stated Mr. E. H. Potter. “In my view the question should have been considered more fully when the board had in mind the first 25 cars some weeks ago.” Mr. A. J. Entrican thought the matter was hardly one for the Chamber, of Commerce. He was of opinion that the letter should be received. Mr. E. J. Phelan could not see why the board should not be prepared to experiment with the open type and the board should build one or two. Mr. F. S. Morton believed that if the present closed type were adhered to difficulty would be encountered in carrying out the proposed loading and unloading experiments the transport manager had in mind. On tlie motion of the chairman, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, it was decided to receive the letter and to inform the chamber that the merits of the respective types had been fully considered, and that the closed type, made six inches wider, with improved seating accommodation, Avould be built. The new cars followed the general trend of vehicle design in other parts of the world. Mr. Allum said the chamber appeared to be misinformed about Christchurch cars.