GONVILLE—CASTLECLIFF TRAMS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 8 December 1908, Page 5

GONVILLE—CASTLECLIFF TRAMS.

To the Editor.

Sir,- 1-Having been asked by several ratepayers to stand for the above Bioard it is only fah\ to all that e<ich intending candidate should express his views. Through this . medium 1 take this opportunity' of briefly laying my own.beioro you. It has always been my dasire to support any scheme which-will benefit the community as a whole; therefore it is needless for me to say I am in favour of trams to the beach. There is no doubt their running will open up land, be an untold convenience to the residents, and a pleasure to thousands of children and adults around Wanganui and its surrounding towns who have never yet. even seen the sea.. T'ho rating of property I give little consideration to, as 1 feel confident that a well-managed service will be profitable beyond expectations. Route —1 have ho set plan, but I. am sure all broad-minded residents cannot expect it to run past every door. Just imagine, at holiday times carrying thousands of people all around instead of one straight run! I favour the quickest and shortest route to tho sea tor a start. I say this because not one-eighth of the revenue will come from the residents; it will come from Wanganui and districts around. Also, as Wanganui has no outlet, each tram must be a benefit to each other. I am not in favour of electric trams— the working expenses would be far too1 great. It is the ideal system in large cities, but not-for us.. My experience of machinery is sufficient to know that. I favour either Petrol or Purrey; in fact j a modern motor-car engine put into a tram car would answer, our, require- ' ments, and be quite up to daie. One other strong point why I favour trams to Castlecliff is this: No one can dispute that excitement is the ruling passion of our age; therefore, if Wanganui i as a whole does not recognise this immediately we will-be left behind. We must have more attraction for our people, tourists, and the wealthy claas. Every day we hear of our rich residents leaving for larger towns because there is more to see, more places to go, etc. I say these are the people we must hold; wo must make our town ,and suburbs attractive, and not only keep them here, but bring more. How are we to develop oiir industries and building trades without tho assistance of this closs? In this respect I may differ with many, but the fact remains all the same we aro in a helpless state without wealthy residents, and it is to be hoped that one and all will open out on a broader basis j and make Wanganui what it is intended for —the finest town in the Dominion. There is no other place with such resources. —I am, etc.,

GEO. H. BOYD-, Tawa Street, Gonville.