THE TRAMWAY.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 69, 27 September 1884, Page 2

THE TRAMWAY.

Petition to Warden Kenrick.! Thk fallowing petition has during the week been largely and intfuentially signed, and will be presented to the Warden on his arrival here on Monday next :—: — "To the Warden of the Te Aroha Galdfield. " Siu, — We, tho undersigned residents of the Te Aroha Goldfield, respectfully petition you to nse your prerogative in not sanctioning 1 the Pi.iko County Council to lease the Waioroni,o nai tramway for a term of five years Our reasons are these : Ist. " The figures obtained so far from the existing management can give no fair basis to form an estimate of the cost of running the tramway in future. Afc our crushing power increases the semiidle tramway will be carrying a much larger quantity of quartz per diem without increasing the hands employed. 2nd. " The Piako County Council now seeks to sell its right to impose the maximum charge it is entitled to make, by a deed executed by you as Warden of this goldfield, dated 23rd day of June, 1884, which, if done, there will be no chance of a reduction in tramway charges during the term of the lease. This is contrary to the spirit of the deed and I frustrates the object of the Government, which donated the tramway purposely to give to the field as cheap a carriage of its quartz and other material as it was possible to secure. 3rd. " The terms proposed by the Piako County Council are opposed to business principles, vide clause 11. In thi3 tue lessee is required to take over two engines, perfectly unnecessary plant so far a. Q the working of the tramway ia concerned, and not allowed to sell them until ho has retired the bill in payin n\t of same. This encumbrance must bi' taken into account by the lessee, and io luces the value of tue lease.

-HI). " We would pray that you strenuously refuse to sanction the leuiug on loa«!" of the tramway until it is first ascertained, by good management, vvlmt the actual cost oF working it on soun ' business princip'cs i* likoly to be ; and t -at you po nt out to the Piako County Council t'tat nn'ler no pretext is it advisable that a manager of n battery, or of a | mining company, should lia\'c the management of the golilfields train W'iy, as the impartial working oF it is of such vital importance to the field every effort should be made to prevent a monopoly. Furthermore, it is probable that at no distant date some local body will be found to administer the workings of this district, and if the proposed project is eHected considerable trouble will be experienced in taking over this property if sub-let by the County. ('• Here follow the names of the petitioners.")