TRAMWAY FLAT RATE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 776, 24 September 1929, Page 16

TRAMWAY FLAT RATE

SUPPORTED BY ONEHUNGA EQUAL RIGHTS WITH CITY The suggested tramway flat rate of 3d is supported by the Onehunga Borough Council. A decision on these lines was reached by the council last evening, following upon an address by Mr. F. S. Morton in committee. In moving the resolution. Cr. S. Vella announced that a number of local shopkeepers were opposed to the scheme because it would have the effect of attracting the purchasing public to the city instead of trading in their own borough. This he thought was an altogether erroneous opinion, as the inevitable influx of population would more than counteract any falling off in local shopping. The proposal found a strong supporter in the Mayor, Mr. E. Morton, who contended that now that the suburban bodies were financially interested in the tramways they had equal rights with the city ratepayers. The flat rate scheme offered the most effective means of preventing the multiplication of doss houses In the city. It was a public duty, he said to encourage people to live in the suburbs. The local shopkeepers need not be considered to the exclusion of other ratepayers. He was satisfied the public would continue to shop in the borough as formerly. The resolution was carried unanimously.