The Growing Nervousness of Electric-Traction Interests.
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We draw attention, on page 356, to certain inexplicable allegations in regard to first costs and working costs which have been put forward by three electric-traction experts. These figures are out of date and entirely ludicrous. We challenge an explanation from their authors of the circumstances in which they came to be placed over their names. Another example of nervousness on the part of these interests is found (page 359) in one of the clauses of the Manchester Corporation Bill which is now before Parliament. It is reported to contain a proposal that the Manchester Tramways Committee shall pay as much as 2ed. per mile run to certain local authorities, and in particular to Stretford, in respect of projected motorbus services. Here. again, is explanation needed. It is difficult to apprec:ate the reasons which have led experienced city officials, such as those who are in the employ of the ratepayers of Manchester, to offer to pay 2d_ per mile run in respect of rubber-tired motorbuses, largely in relation to services on granite setts when. county authorities in different parts of the country are content to ask jd. per mile in relation to services on macadamized roads.
There is more of interest in both the above sets of circumstances than meets the eye, and we trust that all parties concerned, and not only the electric-traction interests that are affected, will be alive to them s4 It is not going too far to say that the electric-tramcar industry is in a state of nervous apprehension because of the success of those motorbus undertakings which cannot be suppressed. Others, they think, can either be controlled or defeated by subtle combinations of a repressive nature, if not by misrepresentation.