THE “ BATTLE ” OF THE TRAMS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3217, 13 May 1911, Page 5

THE “ BATTLE ” OF THE TRAMS.

WHAT PALMERSTON NORTH IS DOING. VOTE FOR EXPERT ADVICE APPROVED. [SPECIAL TO TIMES.] PALMERSTON N., May 12. The Palmerston North Borougii Council has taken an important step in connection with the proposal to instal a system of tramways. As in the case of some other towns, including Gisborne, a proposal has been made by the manufacturers that the EdisonBeach storage battery cars should be tried. Opinion, however, is very divided here as to the probable merits of the new system. Whilst there are numbers of residents who favor giving it a trial, in the belief that it may prove a cheap system, as is declared by the inventors, there are many who ar® not at all satisfied that it is all “that it is cracked up to be.” With the view of getting expert advice on the' subject of tramways, the Borough Council has just voted £IOO to meet the expenses. Dealing editorially with the matter, the “Mana-watu Standard” says:—“lt will be remembered that some time ago a public meeting advocated procuring this expert advice, but the Council did not see eye to eye with the. meeting. Now, however, that amount has been included in the estimates, and it is to be hoped that tlie result will be a thoroughly reliable and disinterested inquiry on this important matter. With so much dust-throwing and so much hysterical outcry against a careful inquiry the issues have been somewhat confused. There will now be time for hot heads to cool a little while the expert is being procured. Meanwhile we are pleased to note a chorus of approval from all sections of the community on our action in giving publicity to other methods of traction and the success or otherwise of trams in other towns. Our leader of yesterday on the rise of the omnibus has brought to light numerous queries for move information on the question, and we are informed that quite a number of leading citizens are discussing the new method of conveyance. In fact, it is whispered that one of the prominent tram agitators has been converted.”