TRANSPORT CONTROL.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 39, 15 February 1929, Page 9

TRANSPORT CONTROL.

SUGGESTED COMMISSIONER. UNDUE INFLUENCE FEAKED. PRIVATE OWNERS' VIEWS. Undue influence of the motor trade and the commercial vehicle owner in the new Ministry of Transport, just established by the Government, is feared by the motorist, according to statement? made at the meeting of the North Island Motor Union, held yesterday afternoon in Auckland. Some of the speaker? pointed out that the private owners were the largest contributor? to the taxation. but it was felt that if they did not assert themselves the interests of the commercial vehicle would predominate under the new order.

The question cropped up when it was stated that preliminary steps had been taken to appoint a commissioner. Some of the members suggested that thiii<:> in the new department were moving very quickly, and it behoved the private owner to see that his interests were not overshadowed.

The president (Mr. A. J. Toogood, of Wellington) stated that before the Ministry began to function it was intended to hold a conference, representative of all the motoring interests. The private owners would have to see that the} , got proper representation on any board that might be appointed under the Department's control.

Mr. A. J. Curtis, of Wellington. >ai<l such a conference would not be hei.l. The commissioner would be appointed by Cabinet, and would not be controlled by any Government department. He might have the assistance of an advi-ory boarj. and if such a body were to lie formed, then the motorists should be represented in proportion to their interests.

One of the members commented on the fact that the union's first intimation about the commissioner should come through the Carriers' Union instead of through the Government.

.Mr. Ctirti* (vice-president of the Master Carriers" Federation I explains! that u-er> of heavy traffic vehicles had tried to get relief from the late Government, and when the regime had been changed they quickly followed the matter up. (

In further discussion it was suggested tbat the owners of commercial vehicle* were supporting a certain nominee for the post of commissioner, unbeknown u> the private owners.

Finally the union decided to make representations to the Prime Minister urging that motorists should be gives an opportunity to place their views hefore the Minister of Trasnport concerning the appointment of both the commissioner and any advisory board. H was also decided to hold an early coeference with the South Island Motor Union to discuss the matter.