TRAMWAYS.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 11, 19 October 1871, Page 3

TRAMWAYS.

To the EiPtor of the THIMES GUARDIAN. Sir,—The subject of tramways on a goldfield, where so much depends on the cheapest and easiest mode of conveyance.

is one of deep import, and should not ho decided upon without duo deliberation notwithstanding that many are now ready to enter into tho speculation, for it is no t so much the present as the future of tho Thames city that should bo considered; and taking this view of the subject, tho main line of tramway should be a direct and straight double line, from Tararu to Shortland wharf, with branches from tho creeks and batteries running into it. Tho mines should be constrained to deposi 1 their loose stuff along this main line, so that the foreshore would be gradually and inexpensively recovered, instead of erecting little mountains along tho Tararu roadside, as at present. The profits arising from the recovery of the foreshore would become a mine of wealth to tho City Board, who would then have funds at their command to do the work necessary for the coinfort and health of the inhabitants, which they, are now powerless to undertake. Cars drawn by a locomotivo could be carried along on a construction similar to the present wharves, which would be daily strengthened by tho deposits from the various mines, and rubbish from the township, which is now left to decay in the yards of the different dwellings. * This should be the main line. The second line should leftve the main at Goodall’s, running along close under tho hills, and finishing at Shortland wharf. This would pick up and deliver everything required by the creek batteries and tho various mines in the neighbourhood, so that the main streets would be left entirely open to passenger traffic. And as health is the next great consideration, a third line would soon he necessary, or rather a continuation of either of the other two, from Shortland wharf to Parawai, as the smoke nuisance is now getting so intolerable that to live it will be necessary to reside in the suburbs. The main or double line running from Tararu to Shortland would eventually form the broadway of the Thames, and which, if properly laid out and planted with trees, would eclipse anything that could be produced in any other part of New Zealand, or even Australia, running along a dead level for three miles, with the liauraki Gulf in front, and our golden hills in the background. We are now no longer in doubt as to the future of the Thames Goldfield ; then let us look to the future, and not have to undo to-morrow what we do to-day. —I am, &c., A Thames Resident.