The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, MAY 25, 1909. THE PATUTAHI TRAMWAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2510, 25 May 1909, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, MAY 25, 1909. THE PATUTAHI TRAMWAY.

There should he no need at this stage to advocate the wisdom of ratepayers voting in favor of the Patutahi tramway scheme, which is being submitted at a poll to-day. Briefly stated, it adopts the principle which was first carried into successful operation by George Stephenson, when he demonstrated that haulago by steam power over rails is much more, effective than a system which involves direct contact with tho rough surface of a road. To our mind it is simply amazing that there should bo found in Poverty Bay people who will cling to the old unsatisfactory methods which have given ns the unenviable reputation of possessing the worst roads in the Dominion. Month after month, and year after year, waggons drawn by teams of horses have crawled along the county roads, at such seasons of the year as it was possible to travel, in a vain endeavor to cope with the necessities of the county and borough for road material. Yet, now that a feasible plan is propounded for conveying ample supplies for all requirements by tram at less than half the old price, we still find objectors. It is claimed in some quarters that the work can he done cheaper by Strakcr waggons; but here again the worst feature of the old system remains, inasmuch as the roads over which the metal must bo,carried are continually being broken down by the strain of the heavy traffic, and a large percentage of the total expenditure is wasted in the continual rebuilding of the main line of communication. All this can be avoided by the adoption of a tramway system. Mr. A. F. Matthews is to he complimented upon having devised a scheme .that is eminently sound in principle and correct in detail, and it is to be hoped ratepayers will atttend in force to-day and give it sanction by a substantial majoiity.