THE TRAMWAY QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 216, 31 January 1913, Page 5

THE TRAMWAY QUESTION.

SOME PERTINENT POINTS. Writes.Mr. Walter Bewley:— Sir,—My previous letter was writtwt very hurriedly, and I should have like* to have stated in the first instance how strongly T feel the importance of the decision of (lie ratepayers in the matter, and I now wish to impress on them how important it is that they should think this matter out, putting on one side any preconceived notions, for the proposal will, if carried, seriously affect the future of New Plymouth. The failure of the trams to pay for a year or two is not the full extent of the evil to be faced. It is, I think, admitted by the tramway supporters that the service must result in a loss for several years. Now I think it will also be admitted by them that the motor 'bus has not only become a serious competitor under ordinary conditions, but under the most favorable conditions it is rirning the tram system-; with which it ■ ci'-ues in conflict. T have now to bring forward a point which I have not hitherto raised, .and that is this: that as sure as a tramway system is inaugurated here it will sooner or later have to face the competition, in whole or in part, of a motor 'bus company. This is what is happening in various places, and will inevitably take place here, with the. result that any margin of profit that the tramway may be. making will be turned ipto a hideous loss.

As Mr. Black points out in his report, in undrrlaking a tramway system you are providing for a generation, and is there anvone so bold as to say that itwill not have to face motor competition in ten. in live, or even fewer years? The indications are that it would have to face it even when the laying of the rails will have only just been completed. The Palmerston scheme is faced with it. and Napier will also no doubt have to face it; and then where will their heavy outlay be? For in this matter, it must be recollected, privateenterprise, if it sees a profitable opening, cannot be controlled.

Now, with regard to my proposal, to borrowlargely to lay permanent streets, I submit this will be an economy in itself if wisely carried out, as the interest on the outlay is more than recovered by the saving in the cost of maintenance. For this reason, no portion of the expenditure would be fairly chargeable to> the institution of a motor service. The only outlay, therefore, on establishing a motor service, would be. the cost of the motor 'buses themselves, the landed cost of the Albion- 'bus being about £B9O. Now, with our present population itwould not be necessary to place five 'buses on the road at first, that is the number of tramcars proposed for a commencement, and if, say, three were obtained, the total sum risked by tie ratepayers would be £2700, supposing the 'buses were a total loss. take some—time undeF'my scheme to complete the road from Eitzroy tb the (Breakwater, which section' of se|wholescheme could be jfctfken in haOT ror a start, probably twelve or eighteen months, and, we should tienijbs/.in a better position to judge the whole*, question and practically no time WQutdj have' been lost inJmDvpying transit facilities, which" no one "can "say is ajvery urgent question yet, as motor 'buses could be put on in two or three monjthsr t One of the, arguments of 'the.lrainvay supporters is that such a service ftould" make the .town attractive "to ', vjfcitorsand intending residents. Let! im| ask,, which would appeal,; most to an intending resident: clean, well-kept,* dtfetless streets, costing to' maintainTttiat wquld mean, possibly (a or a 'noisy, dustless tram service! with dirty streets, and rates'' that should bespent in improving the town hav&g togo trymafce up "the deficiency that* is admitted there would be on 'the tram service for an indefinite nen'od, "of .4 any rate several-Mrs ?v The fii'S<conditions would attract, the second would tejid to drive away settlers. My prbposal.>6iil(l involve the spending of abnbst the='fvhole of the money ]ocally,""wliereas thff bulk of the tramway expenditure' co outside. Thcjnatter.-of improvedistreet construction is one that *fi'e Verities will everywhere hayfi.to face to mset the altered traffic conditions, and the sooner it is faced here the better ioWthe pockets and the comfort of everjone concerned. >