TRANSPORT LOSSES

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 292, 10 December 1929, Page 8

TRANSPORT LOSSES

0 INVESTIGATION URGED. DEPUTATION TO THE BOARD "KEEN DISSATISFACTION." WHO WILL PAY THE COST? 'A lively exchange of opinions was precipitated at to-day's meeting of the Auckland Transport Board when a depu tation from a recent conference of loca! "body representatives at Newmarket asked that 'owing to the apparent unrest and lack of confidence in the Transport Board an independent investigation oi transport finances by Messrs. Paul Hansen, G. W. Hutchison and H. Tiarks be permitted." The spokesmen were Messrs. S. Donaldeon, Mayor of Newmarket, and I. J Goldstine, of One Tree Hill, and alsc named in the deputation were Messrs R. G. Clark {One Tree Hill), W. G. Bussell (Mount Albert), A. M, Bryden (Mount Eden), E. E. Jones (Mount Roskill), P. J. Mountjoy (Onehunga) and W. H. Murray (City Council). In reply to the chairman, Mr. J. A. C, Allum, it was explained by Mr. Donaldson that the conference was not composed of official representatives of local bodies, but that all members of local bodies were invited to attend. Some time ago, he said, it was reported that the transport services had been placed on a paying basis. Later it was stated that, although the trams were paying, the board was losing on the buses. Still later the announcement was made that the board was losing on the trams, and the charges for concession-fare cards were raised. "There Is a feeling abroad," declared the speaker, "that very keen dissatisfaction exists in regard to matters of transport, and it is my own opinion, as well as that of my colleagues and of my council, that the best way of restoring confidence is by means of an investigation, as suggested." Constructive Criticism. Mr. Goldstine spoke of the first conference which representatives of local bodies held at Mount Eden, and said that on that occasion four sets of figures were before the meeting as representing the operations of the Transport Board. They did not know whie.h set of figures was correct, and they postponed the carrying of a resolution because they desired to be constructive in their criticism. The Chairman: I take it that it is clearly understood that the cost of the proposed investigation would be borne by the local bodies which you represent. . Mr. Donaldson said that this question had been anticipated. They suggested that the board bear the cost of the investigation. The Chairman: Eailing that I suppose the local bodies are prepared to do so ? Mr. Donaldson: Failing that I suggest we should go "fifty-fifty." The Chairman: Well, gentlemen, you know the cost of these investigations, and I want it to be clearly understood that if permission is granted and the investigation is held the cost will be borne by the local bodies. Mr. Donaldson replied that rather than be turned down on that score he, and he believed the other representatives also, would recommend to their bodies that they bear the cost of the investigation. "What Do You Wish To Know?" The Chairman: And now wlil you please toll, the board what you wish to know? Mr. Goldstine: We wish to ascertain in what direction, the transport undertaking is not paying. Mr. E. J. Phelan: You have been told that. Mr. Goldstine: We have been told, but iv tour sets of figures. Replying to a question from the chair, Mr. Goldstine said the local bodies had information contained m a circular issued by the board. At the Mount Eden conference two members of the board put forward different figures. Mr. Coyle: Which members of the board gave those figures ? Mr. Goldstine: Mr. Morton submitted figures, which were confirmed by Mr. Potter. The Chairman: Does it not suggest itself to you that the proper method of ascertaining information is by means of addressing a letter to the board 7 The reply was to the effect that the local bodies desired to assist the board in carrying out the undertaking at a profit instead of at a loss. The Chairman: Do you accept the figures of the Government auditor? Mr. Goldstine: We have not yet .seen the figures. The chairman instructed a member of the staff to supply members of the deputation with sets of figures as audited by the Government auditor. He also read a letter from the Government audit inspector -stating that the audit was not one of receipts and payments only, but that it was a complete audi«r taken in accordance with the principles laid down by recognised authorities on auditing. No Charge Against Board. Mr. Goldstine denied the suggestion of the chairman that the deputation was charging the board with having supplied different sets of figures. Asked by the chairman if he had read the report of the Transport Commission, Mr. Goldstine said he had read it very carefully. Mr. Coyle: If there should be an investigation and our figures should be found to be correct would the local bodies be satisfied? The two spokesmen: Absolutely satisfied. The Chairman: I take it from what

you have said that you are desirous of assisting the board in arriving at a solution of its difficult problems. Mr. Goldstine: Most assuredly. . "" ,Tlie chairman accepted the assurance, suggested recriminations were not calculated to assist in the direction indicated. It was onl v bv St? e col the b ° ard had ascei 'tained ST* 7" place Tntt n ? i - d on] y on receiving the letter asking for the reception of a deputation that they knewwhat was proposed. He appealed to the local bodies to assist in creating that community spiri which would best help to solve the problems now before the board The chairman proposed that the position could best bo met by advisino- that the board was prepared to supply anv information required by the local bodies. If they still desired to do so they might later renew the ie<juest for an independ-

Referred to Committee. The chairman's motion was seconded pro forma. Mr. A. J. Entricaji moved as an amendment that the board consider the question in committee, sitting with the responsible officers. Mr. L. H. Rhodes seconded. Mr. E. H. Potter preferred the matter to be discussed in open board. The tramway deed of delegation was no longer operative, he said, the board being now able to raise fares without consultation with the local bodies. Therefore the views of the local bodies had a right to be considered, as fares affected settlement. The deputation was right. Differing statements had been supplied. The Government Audit Department was not concerned with a trading department losing, say, £40,000, but with the correctness of figures supplied. He would like to see in the balance sheet the assets and liabilities, also a profit and loss account. The chairman said the board would not be able to deal with -the matter until February. The amendment was carried by five votes to two.