New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1917-10-20
q
THE TROLLEY.

! While we have no positive
information as to its correctness
but according to gossip, it is
rumored that unless the mlnici
palities of Jeanerette and New
Iberia get together and take over
the property Of the Southwestern
Traction and Power Company
service between the two cities will
(, be discontinued at a very early
date. For many months it has
been generally known that this
Trolley was operating at a loss
between the two communities. but
few Of our people gave the mat
ter any thought or consideration
because they had no direct inter
est in the matter one way or the
other, as long as the cars con-
tinued to operate on schedule
| time for the use of the public.
This condition is primarily due
to the fact that there is not
enough population between the
two cities who use the cars to
justify the expense Of mainte-
nance. Some days ago Mr.. God
chaux, one of the largest stock
holders in the corporation, so we
understand threw out a sugges-
ton that the road could be taken
over without either city putting
out a dollar if they would protect
the bondholders, and he felt as
sured be made success if econ
omy was practiced in its mainte
nance, providing it was operated
by either the New Iberia Electric
Light Plant or that Of Jeanerette,
thus avoiding a double expense of
fuel, etc. What the outcome Of
the matter will be we do not
know. however, its abandon
ment would be one of the biggest
black eyes this section has ever
had and we would certainly like
to see some plan evolved that
would enable continuance Of its
operation. There is no eainsay-
ing the fact that the Trolley has
done much good for both New he
ria and Jeanerette as well as the
strip Of territory through which
it operates. The masses of the
people Of our sister city Of Jean
erette must come to New Iberia !
to attend Court sessions and trans |
act other business necessary at /
the Parish seat and they will in
that respect suffer hardship and
Inconvenience 1t lis true many
own automobiles, but the masses
Of the people cannot afford them
and they will necessarily miss the
Trolley very much and it will be
very expensive to them to, be de-
prived Of it. There is one thing
certain it will be q step backward
if this line be abandoned and dis
mantled and we do not believe
the two communities can at
ford to lose it when they have it'll
within their reach to take it over.
extend the line. and continue its |
operation. We hope the City
Fathers Of Jeanerette and New
Iberia will give this question con-!
sideration at once and see wheth-
er or not it be possible to operate
the lire jointly from New Iberia
or Jeanerette if the Power Plant
of either place can furnish suf-
ficient current. With DIESEL
engine in our Plant the fuel bill
which is now something like for
ty dollars every "a hours can bel
reduced to ten dollars from what
experienced machinists contend.
The taxes paid by. citizens Of the |
two towns could be used for thel
purchase Of whatever other ma
ehinery lis needed and the service
continued as at present. The
road should be extended out of
This City to either Abbeville, St.
Martinsyille or Loreauville and in
that event there is no doubt it'll
would be q paying proposition forl
whoever would take it over.
Something should be done at once
to keep it going concern, and
we hope those in authority will at|
least try and devise q plan for it's
continuance before too late.