The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1906-03-27


In response to an invitation from the
Township Committee for citizens to be al
a meeting to discuss proposition to grant
additional franchise to the Burlington
County Railway Company, there was a
large gathering at America Hall, on Thurs
day evening. 1t reminded one of the old
time town meetings, with the exception
that there was not quite so much oratory
as has been observed at the other gather
ings.
| J. Franklin Hunter called the meeting
to order, and after the Township Clerk had
read the call, and the affidavits necessary
in the case were shown, the ordinance was
placed on first reading.
1t provides that the trolley road be ex-
tended to Smithville, the route being along
Mill street, Mount Holly, keeping as much
as possible to the side of the road. After
leaving the township line the trolley will
run on private right of way to Smithville.
The terminus at the latter place will be at
the entrance to the yard on the farm occu-
pied by Daniel Evan. opposite Captain
Smiths residence.
The ordinance having been read Mr.
Hunter declared the meeting open to the
public, and asked for expressions of opin-
ion on the subject.
The first speaker was Joseph r. Gillian,
who desired to know if this franchise was
for passengers only or whether 1t included
carting of freight. He was told that q
freight privilege would have to be consid-
cred by itself and be the subject Of an
other ordinance. Mr.. Gillian then asked
for an explanation of the section referring
to the amount of fares to be charged
The ordinance provided that FIVE cents
should be the fare within the limits of the
town. 1t was desired to know whether it
meant from one end of the town to
the other, or whether a passenger from
Smithville to Burlington or Philadelphia
wou d be charged two fares in the town.
Ex-senator Parry said but one fare in
such instances would be charged. Any
where in the limits of the town on one con-
tinuous ride the fare would be five cents.
In case the car did not go right on in the
direction desired by the passenger trans
fer would be issued
Mr.. Gillian then offered suggestion that
the trolley company should sprinkle the
streets occupied by the tracks, during the
months from May to September, inclusive
Ex-Prosecutor Budd said he had read
that this demand would be made and a
promise exacted on the point before fran
chise would be granted. The apparatus
for sprinkling is very costly and the COM
pany cannot afford to purchase one.
No capitalists would come here and as a
money proposition buy right of way
and build trolley road to Smithyille.
1t would not be paying investment.
As feeder to the present road it might in
time be valuable, but it is an experiment
and it will take long time before bal
ance can be shown on the right side of the
ledger. If this proviso about sprinkler
is insisted upon there would not be much
use to go on with the consideration
of the ordinance
Ex-Judge Wills said he would like to see |
the streets sprinkled, but he did not want |
to see such restrictions placed on the meas |
ure as to prevent the trolley from continu-
ing its lines. That the road now in oper.
alton has been an advantage there 10 NO
doubt. Before it began business it was
easy to get houses, now houses for rent are
hard to find. There should not be any
hesitancy in giving the residents of Smith
vile some of the privileges we are getting.
The inhabitants of that village are practi-
cally shut in, without means of going to
and from the town after certain hours
IN the day He believed the new line
would be equally beneficial to that town
and Mount Holly.
Mr.. Gillian replied to the argument
Of Mr.. Budd. He acknowledged that
he electrical apparatus for sprinkling
streets was expensive, but he had been in
'ormed that it was a matter of economy
or the trolley company to put such appar-
titus in service. 1t saved the motors,
which are continually picking up dust,
which cuts them out, and if the roads were
prinkled there would be much saving In
hat item alone.
Frederick H. Lee inquired if the diree-
ors of the trolley company had given this
natter any consideration with the idea
# voluntary action on their part. To this
Gilbert replied in the mega
i've, as the company cannot afford the ex-
'ense. 1t made proposition to join the
itizens in getting sprinkler, but nothing
lad ever come from the offer.
On request of Fred Shreve, who had
ome in late, the section of the ordinance ]
'roviding for paving in the center and
ides of the tracks was read.
Mr.. Marion wanted to know IL there
would be an extra track at the fountain.
lie was told the track from Washington
treet would be continued on the southern a
ide of the fountain to connect with the 9
Jmithville track. That will give 'Y" at
he fountain.
There not being any further suggestions (
hartman Hunter declared the public meet
ng closed, and the Township Committee f,
vent into executive session to consider the
in detail. After discussing it
it was passed and read, with
he exception of the question of paving.
The trolley company will pave in the Gen.
er of the rails with such bricks as the
Township Committee may require. and
the rest of the street is repaved the COM
,any will pave two feet ON each side of the
ails with the same material as the town
hip uses.
The style of rails will be the same as
low laid The county ordinance will be
considered on the 18th Of April. If it is
granted work on the road will begin at
,nce and it will be running by the
Fourth of July.
Beverly.
A brass band has just been organized in
his city, and will be known as the Bev-
srly Brass Band. William G. Maute was
elected president, Thomas Fogarty, vice