Concern at overcrowding on trams

The overcrowding of the Rattray Street trams was vigorously brought under the notice of the City Council last night by Cr Sincock, who claimed that things were getting to such a pass that there was absolute danger. There had been slight mishaps, fortunately without serious results so far, and it was time they looked after the interests of their ratepayers. He wanted to know whether the company was exceeding its powers in overcrowding, and, if so, whether the council was the authority or whether the Government should step in and

see the matter put right. He was in earnest, because he lived on the hill, and his life was too valuable to be risked in that way. When they found a single car carrying 100odd people — to carry 80 or 90 was common — then it was time to recollect that the safety of the people was more important than the interests of any private company. Cr Clark said that this matter came under nobody's jurisdiction, and the Tramways Committee had nothing whatever to do with it. There was no provision against overcrowding, and it was purely a question of the Government taking such steps as it thought fit. His recollection was that cable cars were not included in the new regulations. The Mayor (Mr W. Begg) said the position was as stated by Cr Clark. The council had no power to regulate this overcrowding in any shape or form. It was purely a matter for the Public Works Department to step in and control. He was not sure that even the regulations governing

corporation overcrowding applied to the hill trams. Cr Sincock asked the Mayor if he would have the necessary inquiries made, with a view to ensuring the safety of citizens. The Mayor said he would give an assurance to that effect, and with that the discussion closed.