PATUTAHI TRAMS.

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

PATUTAHI TRAMS.

POLL TAKEN TO-DAY

The poll of ratepayers within the special area of the Arai, Patutahi, Gisborne, Hangaroa, and Whataupoko ridings of the Cook County will be taken to-day upon the question as to whether the Council shall borrow £30,000 to construct a light tramway from Patutahi to Gisborne, on a scheme devised by Cr A. F. Matthews. If a threefifths majority of the voters recorded are in favor of the proposal the Council will be empowered to construct the tram, and borrow the necessary money to pay the cost up to an amount of £30,000. The scheme has been under the consideration of the County Council for some months past, and ratepayers can confidently accept the County Council’s assurance that though a special rating area is made in accordance with the law, it is very improbable that any special rate for thp purpose of paying interest will ever be struck, but the tram will be self-sup-porting. Ratepayers in favor of the proposal being carried out should therefore go to the poll. The lino of tram will he from Patutahi to the Gisborne wharf on the southern side of the Waikanae stream. The line will not cross tlie railway line, as the Councillors, not withstanding all statements to the contrary, are of opinion that the Government would require a high level bridge to be erected to carrv the tram across the railway line. The scheme conseauently was prepared so as to take tlm line down through the \\ illows l*ettlement to the wharf. There will also be a branch line to Te Arai to allow cheap metal to be placed on the badly formed roads in that district. _ Ine scheme has the support of the majority of the members of the Cook Count} Council, and the County Engineer (Mr Fraser) and it is the only, scheme yet put before the ratepayers which uiJ provide a plentiful supply of metal at a minimum cost. Polling booths have been arranged at the following p’aces: Gisborne riding—Road Board office. Ormond, Bryce’s store, Makauri; Image s store Matawhero . Arai riding—Arai school •house ; Kennedy’s store, W har l at . Daulton’s store, Waingake: school house. Patutahi riding—Public Hall. Patutahi. Hangaroa riding— Hollywood’s. Lower Hangaroa ; Stee.e s. Tahunga: Whyte's, Timroto. a - poko riding—White s store, Manga La; J. Martin’s, deLautour mad, Ivaiti: and County office, Gisborne (for all ridings).