PLEA REFUSED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 236, 5 October 1937, Page 9

PLEA REFUSED.

T&KES THE "RISK. ,,

LICENSING AUTHORITY.

PUBLIC INTEREST FIRST.

(By Trtosrnph.— Progs Aseodntion.)

CHRISTCHURCH, Monday

"I will take the risk of getting offside with the Government," was the final rrply by the No. 3 Transport Licensing Authority. Mr. T. H. Langford, to an objection raised by the representative of the Railway Department to a reduction in motor transport passenger fares in an area where adequate railway service existed.

The objection, which was not upheld wns raised when the transfer of the ( hiistohurch to Amberley run from A. A. Holland to Midland Motorways Services, Limited, was being considered by the authority to-day. "Our objection lies against a reduction in fare* on the Amberley-Sefton-Bnlcairn section where there is an adequate railway service," said Mr. E. S. Brittenden, district traffic manager for the Railway Department. "I know the Government owns this service," said Mr. Langford, "but I am definitely of the opinion that with this amalgamation of services this service can be run at a profit, and at a good profit, at these fares. I do not see any reason in the world why the public should be exploited. It ia the public's interest I am here to look after, and I consider these fares are reasonable fares. They are as much as the people ran afford to pay, and if the railways want passengers they will have to come into line somehow."

Mr. Brittenden: We will have to reduce our fares.

Mr. Langford: That \s the logical thing to do.

Mr. Brittenden: Our fare is not competitive with tho bus, ami we have held, to use the operators' own words, that their service is a luxury service. Tf people want that service it is at their disposal.

Objection to Penal Fares. Mr. Langford: I do not think it is a luxury service. Tho thing has got beyond that. They do not ride in motor cars just for pleasure to-day. They ride in them because they are suitable for their convenience. I don't believe in penal fares, anyway.

Mr. Brittenden: I think the Government has decided that our railway fares arc reasonable.

Mr. Langford: The Government hae? Mr. Brittenden: I think so. Mr. Langford: The Department might, but a lot of people do not.

Mr. Brittenden: It ig under the con trol of the Government.

Mr. Langford: As licensing authority I am entitled to decide what is a fair price. You have the right of appeal, and if the Minister, who has the last voice, decides that my opinion is a- wrong one, that is all right, but I cannot see why people should be allowed to charge a fare that gives them an unreasonable profit.

He could not eee any sense in rationalising transport if the public was not going to get the benefit. He would take the risk of getting offside with the Government.