COMPLAINT MADE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 245, 16 October 1944, Page 6

COMPLAINT MADE

SUBURBAN BUS RUN

ALLEGATIONS DENIED

The operation of the passenger bus service to Remuera Road through Upland Road was discussed at a sitting of the Metropolitan Licensing Authority to-day, following complaints received from residents in the area served. Mr. Fortune appeared for several complainants, and Mr. Webster represented the operator of the service J. D. Adlam. The complaint, said Mr. Fortune, had only recently been brought before the authority. The complainants had no desire to put the operator off the road, but desired that the service should be properly conducted. It was alleged that discourtesy was shown to women arid school children, but not to men, that children were put off the bus other than at the proper stopping places, that children were left behind at the Remuera Post Office, and that discrimination was shown between juvenile passengers. It was further alleged that the operator carried a switch with which he threatened young children. Some women feared coming before the authority owing to the possibility of reprisals. Five women gave evidence on the lines indicated by Mr. Fortune. Defence Outlined Mr. Webster said that the allegations reflected on the conduct of the operator and on his character as a citizen, and might also affect his livelihood. The first essential of the operator was to maintain a service with safety to the public, and to do so might at times necessitate his resorting to quick action and words. Adlam was operating the service by himself.

The evidence of the complainants, said Mr. Webster, showed that there was unruly conduct among the children using the bus. Many witnesses would testify to Adlam's courtesy, general politeness and willingness to assist people. These people valued the service and desired it to be retained. Referring to the children passengers, counsel said that the operator had to adopt measures to restrain the unruly elements, and, though he carried a small switch, he did not make use of it.

Mr. Webster presented four petitions signed by 57, 9, 35 and 238 residents respectively. Referring to the last-mentioned petition, counsel said that the signatories affirmed complete confidence in his client. By 61 votes to four, a public meeting carried a resolution expressing confidence in Adlam as the operator of the service and in his general character.

Evidence for the operator was called after the luncheon adjournment.