PROVISIONS OF BILL

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22804, 1 September 1939, Page 12

PROVISIONS OF BILL

OBJECTIONS BY MR COATES REVENUE TAKEN FROM LOCAL BODIES PROTECTION FOR RAILWAYS SEEN ’ (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August 31.: ■ “The Minister said that there could be no political warfare over a bill that made for safety bn the roads,” said the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates (Opposition, Kaipara) during discussion on the Transport Law Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives this evening. “But it is incorrect to say that it deals only with safety and efficiency. There is railway protection in this bill, and I can see the hand of the Minister for Railways running right through it. It gives the Minister for Railways an advantage he has never had before.” The bill also encroached on the rights and prerogatives of local bodies, said Mr Coates. It amended the Public Works Act, and took from local bodies some of their revenue. What had that to do with safety? Mr Coates also objected strongly to giving traffic inspectors the right to arrest, and asked that, as so many different sections of the public were interested in the bill, an opportunity should be given for its discussion before a committee, which coultf hear evidence from interested parties. “There is no provision for dealing with those who convert cars,” said Mr Coates. “The Minister has said that that is a matter for the Attorney-Gen-eral; but he appears to have touched in the bill almost every other department More drastic steps should qe taken to deal with this risk and uncer13m/Semple: The penalties should be more drastic; but it is not my job. Right of Arrest The bill made for further centralisation, said Mr Coates, and tended to place the administration more in the hands of a bureaucracy. Giving traffic inspectors the right of arrest, he said, was going a very long way. To-day only the police, who had years of training, were given the right of arrest. Mr Semple; The whole Police Force agrees with the provision. The Minister should see that traffic inspectors were given the same training as the police, said. Mr Coates. The individual had old-established rights in -this matter, and great care should be exercised before powers of the kind were conferred on a larger number of individuals. ■, . . Mr Semple: Every traffic inspector in the cities has the right of arrest, as all are sworn in as special constables. Mr Coates; X can’t think that is right. I can’t believe that a traffic cop can arrest the Minister or me for being the worse for . liquor. Mr Semple: You just give it a pop, and see how you get on, Mr Coates: I think it is dangerous. The removal of licence fees from the control of local bodies was criticised by Mr who said that the bill was not clear as to what authority would collect the fees and administer traffic control.- He also criticised the provisions giving flirectiops-. to the Coqrts on the conviction of intoxicated motorists. It should Tie left to the discretion of the Magistrate whether the name of an offender should be published. “I agree that the Minister is on the right lines in forbidding drinking in public vehicles,” said Mr Coates, “but I am doubtful about the provision for summary arrest withcW: warrant. We sh6uld take the greatest care before men are clothed with that authority. In answer to questions from Mr Coates, the Minister said that the abolition of a minimum licence fee .was provided for, to give the right to reduce the fees if need be. The clause relating to damage to roads by extraordinary traffic, the Minister explained as one to overcome the complaint made by some operators that local bodies had threatened •to close roads unless exorbitant extra fees were paid. “Local bodies in iny district definitely object to that clause,” said Mr Coaxes. “The Minister is taking power to override county councils in their control of roads." •