DELIVERY OF RURAL MAILS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21355, 24 December 1934, Page 22

DELIVERY OF RURAL MAILS

LICENSING AUTHORITY HEARS APPLICATIONS A sitting of the No. 8 Transport Licensing Authority was held on Saturday morning. Mr J. D. Hutchison presided, and with him was Mr M. Bethell. A. W. Stark was granted a license to carry mails, small parcels, newspapers, and passengers not exceeding two at one time, with a maximum fare of Is 6d each way, on the Kaiapoi, Clarkville, Eyreton, Ohoka rural mail route. Stark was the successful tenderer for the mail contract for the next three years. The application was not opposed, and the license will remain in force until May 31, 1935. R. Stace and G. S. Roberts applied for licenses to carry mail, newspapers, and small parcels on the AmberleyLeithfield and Amberley-Mount Brown rural mail routes. Mr E. S. Bowie appeared for 55 box-holders who had signed a petition lodged with Stace's application. Mr H. O. Jacobsen appeared for two carriers of Amberley. Mr Bowie said it was obvious that the box-holders were entitled to some consideration from the authority. They were perfectly satisfied with the present licensee. Some box-holders said they would give up their boxes if Stace's license was not renewed. Stace was dependent on the contract for his living. Roberts said that he had been largely instrumental in having the Amberley-Leithfield rural mail service started. Mr F. W. Furby, chief postmaster, said tHe combined subsidy for the two routes was £lB5 a year. Details were given of the other re-, ceipts from the business. After a short adjournment Mr Hutchison, delivering the authority's decision, said the authority must follow the rules laid down in the reserved decisions published on Saturday. The application of Stace would' be refused and that of Roberts granted. The license would remain in force until May 31, 1935.