I The Car and Brake Feet.
We are informed by experts that the action of the brake is quite irrespective of any weight that is placed in the car, and that there is no object in loading the car with the 2¾ tons of ballast. The downward speed of the car is the real test. We would therefore respectfully suggest that in future the 2¾ tons of ballast be dispensed with and that the Director of Public Works should not, if he be satisfied with his inspection, insist on the test being actually carried out.
(2) The Rope Test. Major General Charles Scrope Hutchison, C.B., R.E., Chief Inspector to the Board of Trade, writing on the above subject says:
"It is not customary to test the entire cable after it has been laid and held down, the responsibility for its proper maintenance to rest with the Company for a period of seven years after the opening of the Tramway; upon the expiration of this period the Tramway would have again to be submitted for inspection, when of course the condition of the cable would be examined, the same occurring at the expiration of each successive period of seven years. If there is any reason to doubt the condition of the cable, the Board of Trade have the power of inspecting it and have the power to arrange for the working of any other part connected with the working of the line to be closed if necessary."
I am not in a position to think that the heat to which our cable is annually subjected ...