ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 19 August 1907, Page 2

ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS.

iiAWEKA-JiAUimoNUI SCHEME. Mr Black's report on the proponed Ha- I wcru-Kaupokonui railway was laid bufor tlie County Council- ou Saturday says the Star. Xt goes a good deal inw detail, but we can only give some of Uio points of the report, as follows: Tlie physical features ol the route are declared to be unusually favorable to trams. None of the grades are serious. There is enough present truliic to feed the Irani and enough country behind to increase the payable trailic. The Ohawe branch is, however, not recommended, owing to cost estimated (it JCS2UU to build and insufficient prospects of trailic. The total length of iiawera-Kaupoko-nui line, including sidings, is 13 miles U chains.

Tho main recommendation is direct current equipment of cars and overhead | line, and direct-current generation at [one point ou the route, the source of I power being hydro-electric energy purI chased from the Ilawcra County Electric Co., or failing such purchase producer I gas.

A 2ft 6iii guagc is recommended. The total capital cost, including coat of line, rolling stock, goods and car depots, engineering expenses and contingencies, is estimated at £54,100. The revenue is estimated at £0027 per annum from freight and £21)08 from passengers, or a total of £S'JIIS, The expenditure is set down at £41)23 for expenses and £2978 for capital ekarges. Showing a net profit available for depreciation, £108!).

Upon the report being presented to the County Council, the chairman moved, J That the report be deferred until a special meeting of the Council to bo held on Saturday next.' | (Jr. Winks said that all discussion would not help much. It was a matter for the experts and to refer for a yea or nay. | Cr. Davidson said he had read the report, and it was good. The chairman: It is ail especially able report. Cr. Duirs said the important question was finance, Cr. Murdoch agreed with Cr. Duirs. He seconded the chairman's motion. The motion was carried. The engineer (Mr Bashani) said that Mr Black would be in the district, and could attend a meeting next Saturday. This arrangement w.ns considered satisfactory.

Per Press Association. Hawera, August 18. Pile report of Mr Black, electrical engineer, regarding the proposed tramway connecting Ilawera and KaupoKonui, is considered eminently satisfactory. The scheme is regarded as practicable and payable, and it is hoped the line will solve the difficulty of maintaining the main south road, which has been a heavy burden.