LICENSE GRANTED.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 48, 26 February 1927, Page 14

LICENSE GRANTED.

TAKAPUNA TO DEVONPORT. YELLOW BUS SERVICE. CONFLICT OF OPINION*. The application by Mr. A. H. Smith to conduct a bus service at Devonport and from Devonport to Takapuna. gave rise to considerable discussion yesterday when the No. 1 Licensing Authority sat. The Mayor. Mr. G. Baildon, presided. A committee of the authority had considered the application and recommended that it be granted.

The applicant was represented by Mr. Northcroft, who said that the present steam tramways service was inadequate, that it would be unless electrified, and the Takapuna Borough Council and tramway company had indicated they were not prepared to electrify the trams unless they were assured of a monopoly of the traffic being given to the trams.

As no monopoly could be given because the transport position would have to be considered every year when applications for renewals, or fresh, licenses were made, no improvement in the tram service was to be expected. This virtually condemned the people of Takapuna to the present unsatisfactory service as rendered by the tram system. The controversy surrounding the continuance of Mr. Smith's bus service was not whether the transport from Bayswater should be by bus or steam trams, but whether all those people who wished to travel from Takapuna to the city via Devonport, should be compelled to travel via Bavswater.

Mr. Northcroft read the opinions of Messrs J. Williamson, G. H. Matthews, and C. Suckling, all members of the Takapuna Borough Councij, and of Mr. L. Wilkins, an ex-councillor, all of whom considered the present tram service inadequate and unsatisfactory, and that the bus services between Takapuna and Devonport were in the best interests of the people.

The Objectors. Opposing the granting of the license, Mr. Lowrie, on behalf of the Takapuna Borough Council, contended that the trams and buses could not exist together. To license the bus ser%"ice would mean the sending out ot existence the trams, and for the people to depend upon a private service was not in their best interests, as it might go out of business at any time. The Mayor of Takapuna, Mr. J. D. Morison, said to carry the traffic at peak periods it would be necessary to have a fleet of 40 buses, and he did not think the business offering would justify the expenditure in securing such a fleet. The council had not invited Mr. Smith to start such a service and knew nothing of his financial ability to maintain an adequate service if he were granted a license, and monopoly of the traffic. It was the desire of the people of Takapuna to control their own transport, and in the proposals for the purchase of the tramways «ystem the council relied upon having a monopoly of the traffic. The bus service now had seating accommodation for 216, and on Sunday' last it was made very clear that the buses could not deal with the demand when the ferry steamers arrived at Devonport. As the pioneer service he considered the trams should have the opportunity for catering for all the traffic if it was proposed to do so. He feared that if the buses were licensed there would be a less frequent boat service.

Effect on Property Values. Speaking against the granting of the license, Mr. Brown said they could take it there would be a less frequent bus service if the buses were licensed. The tramway company was bound to carry all the people of Takapuna all the time, and not to do so meant the company was liable to heavy penalties. To license the buses as an opposition service meant that the tramway company would be incapable of carrying out its obligations. The company at present had two steamers, eeven locomotives, 14 cars, and four buses, quite a sufficient service to carry all the traffic. To allow the bus srevice to continue would put an end to all the proposals for purchase which the borough council had under consideration, while if the people were not provided with a reliable and stable transport system property values would depreciate by half a * million pounds in Takapuna. He also foresaw an increase in boat fares if the cooperation of the Devonport Ferry Company were withdrawn and the buses given a monopoly. The withholding of the license would do no harm to Mr. Smith. He had neglected to take advantage of the opportunity to sell out under the motor bus regulations.

The License Granted. Mr. J. A. C. Allum said they were not asked to gTant a license for* a new ser\ ice but to an existing service, and the conflict was between the two local bodies, Takapuna and Devonport. He thought thte licensing authority should leave the position as they found it. The license, he considered.* should be granted, and the authority give its reasons.

Mr. Baildon then moved that the license be granted in terms of the application. He added tha: he did not think reasons should be set out in the resolution. The motion was carried