TRAM EXTENSIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 October 1920, Page 4

TRAM EXTENSIONS.

THREE PROPOSALS OPPOSED. ACTION BY WESTOWN RATE' PAYERS.

A meeting of ratepayers of Westown Was held last night to discuss the tramway loan proposals. -Ylr. J. D. Sole presided over an attendance of about twenty ratepayers. The chairman pointed out tlrart at a meeting held previously it was decided by ratepayers of the district that nothing but an extension of the present tramway system would do for the district. He pointed out that in September, 1019, the electrical engineer had estimated the cost of the. tram extension to Vvallath Road at £21,800, but in June, 1920, at about the aame rate per mile he estimated the cost at £29,800 to Omata Road, which is 12 chains less distance. In August, the general manager gave the total cost at £40,000 to Omata Road.

Proceeding, Mr. Sole said the position now was that if they voted for the trams to David Street they must also vote for the railless trams to Vogoltown. There was the alternative proposal for a loan of £27,000 for the railless trams to both suburbs. The Wellington city engineer had not recommended the railless system to his council, whilst the, Auckland city engineer had not seen such a system. Mr. Sole said there was a third loan of £2"),000 to provide three cars, a triangle, increased workshop accommodation, asphalt the present, track, etc. He understood the Council, had already placed an order for three cars at a cost of £II,OOO, and had about £5419 available in the tramway account. He strongly advised ratepayers to vote against the railless system.

Mr. V. C Dnvies said that the residents of I'pper Wert own were opposed to extension of the trams to David Street only, as they would lose their 'bnsj which was their only means of transit.

The chairman said thnt under present conditions lie did not think either proposal would be favored by ratepayers. The latest estimate of the «?tension to David Street was £20.000. After further discussion, it was resolved to recommend the ratepayers to reject all the three proposals. It was resolved fo ask the Borough Council ,to give the residents a 'bus service on Sundays during the summer months.