MOTOR TRANSPORT

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18342, 27 March 1925, Page 6

MOTOR TRANSPORT

MEETING OF ASSOCIATION. A meeting.of the Canterbury Motor Transport Association was held in the Automobile Association 1 ! rooms last evening to receive the report of the deputation from the Association which had interviewed the Minister of Public Works (the Hon? J. ■G. Coates) in Wellington recently. Mr T. E. Young presided over a good attendance. The deputation, which consisted of Messrs T. 13. Young, K. Wright, E. Smith, A. Macdonald, and E. Wigloy, reported on their interview with the Minister, stating that the Minster had agreed to increase the weight to be carried by a two-wheeled trailer from three to four tons. Regarding the vidth of passenger cars, it waa pointed out ky the' deputation that 7ft 6in wotjld not alio* to scat in comfort five passengers abreast, allowing for steps and the cushioned sides of the vehicle. Mr Coates agreed that this was reasonable and that they would drop the 7ft 6in in tHe stipulation and let the Bft stand. Mr F. W. Furkert (clairman of the Main Highways Board), who was also present during the interview, hid stated that probably the scale of pasetiger ' fees would be £2 5s per seat, the driver included. The carriers converting trucks into passenger lorries" for picnic parties were totally opposed to any reduction in fee. The deputation stated that the present plant of the different omnibuses operating was inadequate to cope with tho present week-end traffic, and asked if by paying £1 per passenger (15 passengers per ton) a conditional license would be issued. Mr Furkert did not give much hope of such a concession.

After a short discussion the report was adopted. Mr L. Knight said that a great deal of time could be saved if a sub-section of the Transport Association were set lip to deal with the passenger business, going into any troubles that cropped up. It would not be in any way in opposition to the -worlc of the Association. The results of the discussions of the sub-<scction could be laid on the. table at, the Association's meeting ahd threshed out. Now that the passenger side of the business was affected by Ration, they would have to go in for more and better organisation. He had been spoken to on the matter and in any case the Association's membership could be increased by the formation of a sub-committee. Under such an arrangement, the two bodice, as it were, could deal with their own problems. Mr E. Wright said that they should put the scheme on a, definite basis. Mr A. Macdonald moved a. resolution which was carried, to the effect that a subcommittee be set up to ,'ook after the interests of the. passenger section. On the motion of str E. Smith, it was decided to express appreciation of what the Goremmenmt had done in connexion with the Se':wyn bridge, and ako to write to th county councils concerned, pointing out that the motorists considered that they should do their share as it was a. main highway question. Totes of thanks were accorded the deputation for its work.