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Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1920, Page 4

TRAMWAYS EXTENSION. The discussion which took place at Monday evening's conference between the Borough Council and the representatives of the Ratepayers' Associations, practically resolved itself into the question of tramlines or trackless trolleys. Westown delegates held out strongly for tramlines, and the estimates, of the electrical engineer were criticised with the object of demonstrating that the expense had been over-estimated. On. the other hand the Vogeltown representatives recognised that if they waited for the tram system they would never get the trams. It is idle'in face of the electrical engineer's estimates to even take a poll to extend the present tramways to Westown and Vogeltown, for there is not the remotest possibility *f ratepayers sanctioning a proposal entailing a capital expenditure of £BO,OOO and a heavy annual loss. As the Mayor stated, there is a possibility of carrying a proposal to expend £IB,OOO on exten-, biom of the oresent tramlines to Wes-

town and an equal amount on a trackless service to Vogeltown. Westown, however, has ambitious ideas, and wants to go the whole hog, regardless of the loss that must inevitably arise if the ratepayers were so foolish as to approve of the loan. Carrington Road also is somewhat unreasonable, contending that if Westown 'is to have overhead trams, be they ever so limited in extent, so must Vogeltown. They will end up in disgusting ratepayers, who, after all, will have the determining of the matter. If we may offer a little advice, we would say to the suburbs: Compare your differences, and agree to the expenditure of £IB,OOO on extending the tramways to Westown, and an equal expenditure on a trackless tramway to Vogeltown. That is a practicable proposition, and, if there is unanimity amongst the parties chiefly interested, the loan may be approved. Otherwise, both suburbs may have to wait an Indefinite period for improved transit facilities.