NEW PLYMOUTH TRAMWAY SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 March 1916, Page 4

NEW PLYMOUTH TRAMWAY SERVICE.

Although New Plymouth's tramway scheme ig only partially available there can be no question that it is higMly appreciated by the public. Admitting that the commencement of the temporary service on Friday naturally attrft«ted a !s>") uwgbjr fco patronise the

novelty c s such, the succession of packed cars on Saturday should at least have carried conviction to the most sceptical citizen that New Plymouth not only has the population to justify the inauguration of a tramway service, but that the people are ready and ani'ious to aiake it a financial success. The srasoth ruaniHg ef the cars was a' surprise t* those who have been accustomed to rough passages over bad roads in other conveyances, while the cleanliness, airiness, and comfort of these well equipped and excellently lighted and ventilated ears arc a theme of universal gratification. J\otliiug but praise is heard of the new venture now it is in working order, and it will assuredly prove an immense boon to the residents c{ the borough, as well as a source- of d (traction for visitors. The residents of Fitzvoy warmly welcome the u»rvice, but there is a geneal feeling of regret that the West End folk will for a while be deprived of the service, but their time will come, a»d it is hoped that they ' will not have long to wait. The Borough Council acted wisely in making a start to earn revenue at the earliest moment they were in a position to run over a portion of the route, and it may be taken for granted that the whole area from Fitzroy to Moturoa, will be served as speedily as possible. Apart from adding to the importance of the town the trams should prove a satisfactory asset financially when the system is complete. The expenditure involved is heavy, and the running expenses will mount up, but even if it should (which we hope, it will not) be necessary to levya small rate, the convenience to the ratepayers will far outweigh the payment involved. It should be remembered that the more the tram service is used the less will be the likelihood of a rate being necessary. The penny sections should certainly be popular, and by pursuing an enlightened policy of encouraging the public to use the trams the Council will make them a financial success.