THE TRAM QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 220, 5 February 1913, Page 4

THE TRAM QUESTION.

Mr. James McLeod is a valiant swordsman. In another part of this issue he returns to a discussion of the muchdebated tram question. The indomitable firmness of his self-confidence does not leave room for either a recognition or an appreciation of the attitude of those who, like ourselves, are seeking for im proved transit conditions in the town, but who cannot see their way, under existing circumstances, to devote a whole-hearted support to the raising of a big loan for installing electric tramways. Mr. McLeod, in his singularly superficial rhodomontade, says that as a well-considered proposal has been brought down by the Borough Council, the Xews, "as champion of the motorbus," should, in order to justify its criticism, give specific details of its alleged superiority. "Well-considered" we should regard as a rather malapropos adjective in this connection, but it all depends upon the point of view, and Mr. McLeod evidently considers that there is only one point of view, and that - his own. As a matter of simple fact, we have not altogether championed the, cause of the motor-bus. All we have done—and that we shall continue to do. though the heathen may rage as furiously as they like and the people imagine a vain thing ■ —is to insist upon a careful consideration of the rival systems before any final decision is made. The ratepayers who are asked to foot the bill are entitled to further information upon which to base their decision, for the raising of a loan of the magnitude suggested should not be undertaken in a spirit of cheerful casualness. So far they have had little or nothing put: before them upon which to base an intelligent judgment.. The Council has been unduly precipitate, in dealing with the matter. Once Mr. Track's belated reports were received tliey hastily decided to lake a poll upon the question. Possibly the Council was anxious to have the matter settled before the expiry of its term of office, and had it decided to place the two conflicting i"iies before the electors, there might have been some excuse for ifs precipitant attitude. As it is. this haste to run before walking is calculated to endanger the whole position. It is quite possible that when every feature and condition pertaining to the two systems has been compared the overhead electric system will be found to be the hotter. If so, we shall be the first to support it Tt is not necessary for anybody to have an expert knowledge of the rival systems to realise that neither should be chosen until we have had some practical education as to the possibilities of the new motor-bus. Tn the, meantime it is sufficient to know that a very strong prima, facie ease has lieen made out in favor of the motor-bus. and that this ease has not been exhaustively answered. The motor-bus is "honking" its way into popularity all over the world, and its popularity is naturally indicative of its success, for in this modem age of commercialism companies do not undertake the administration of transit systems

of this character in a spirit of pure speculation. Mr. McLeod says that the J Timaru Council is supporting motor-' buses as a stop-gap system, to be discarded later in favor of electric trams. This may he and may not he. Our own reading of the reports of the Council, with all due deference, shows that many of its members are quite convinced, from

what they have seen and know of the motor-bus. that the 'bus will serve Timaru for many years to come. But, admitting that every member of the Council regards the motor-bus as only a stopgap, could not New Plymouth with advantage take a leaf out of Timaru's book and instal motor-buses as a stop-gap. too? Even advocates of the eleclric tram will admit that the motor-bus will serve very well as a "feeder" to the main line. What, then, is wrong with buying two or three of these vehicles (their cost is less than £IOOO each), and using them meanwhile, and, later, if it is found that electric trams are necessary, utilising them for the suburbs of Vogeltown and Avenue' Road, Franklcigh Park and Westown? It will, in any case, take at least two years to instal electric trams. We could in the interim enjoy the advantage of the motor-bus. Mr, McLeod maintains that it is necessary to have specially constructed roads for motor-buses: and that it will cost from £25,000 to £30,000 to put the road from Fitzrov to the Breakwater in order, and that when this is done private enterprise will come along and, not having to bear any of the cost of improving the road or its subsequent maintenance, will be able to cut rates and run the municipal cars off the road. As we have said before, the work of remaking the main road will, in any ease, have to be, faced soon, and the sooner the better. The roads will have to be put down in an entirely different manner from what they have in the past. The expense will be considerable, but it will be justified by the saving in upkeep. This is apart altogether from whether motor-buses are installed or not. Even if it costs £25,000. which sum competent people state is on the large side, the work would be worth undertaking. Tt has also to be remembered that if we instal trams the road work portion is going to cost a very large amount of money. Motor-buses should, therefore, be saddled with no expense so far as the roadway is concerned, and if private enterprise did step in, and it could offer equal or improved facilities, we would say, all power and success to it, for those who would benefit from the rivalry would after all be the public. The same fear migbt be entertained with equal justification, indeed with greater justification, in regard to the electric overhead system. Motorbus services might be established, as they have been in some of the cities of Europe and America, and then what would become of the tram, receipts ? In the case of motor-bus v. motor-bus. the ratepayers' capital investment would be . but.. £5000: in the other it would be £55.000. The question of the cost of installing trams is very important. "Has any big municipal undertaking ever been completed within the engineer's original estimates? We know of verv few. Already there is a likelihood of more money being required to construct a weir at the waterworks to ensure greater safety in respect to supplies of water for domestic and power purposes. There are other aspects of the question which we must leave for the present. Our correspondent threatens to "fire" off a mass of evidence which he say= he possesses ncrainst the motor-bus. We will be pleased to afford him the opportunity, so long as he does not trench unduly on our space, for we are anxious to place nil sides of this important question before the ratepavers. But we mar observe that Mr. McLeod has a hie task before him to prove that the municipalities and companies who have invested in the modern 'bus during, sav. the past vear. do not know theit business. Our anxietv is to conserve the interests of the ratepavers. and to ensure our getting the cheapest possible service consistent. with efficiency. Mr. McLeod is a most estimable citizen, and in the light of modern scientific progress he ought surelv to realise that, in an important matter of this sort it behoves us to be thoroughly satisfied before easting the die.