VALUE OF TRIP TO BOARD

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26855, 7 October 1952, Page 8

VALUE OF TRIP TO BOARD

COST SAVED IN ONE TRANSACTION The chairman of the Christchurch Transport Board (Mr F. L. Brandt) replied yesterday to criticism of the general manager (Mr J. F. Fardell) being sent overseas. Mr Brandt said that by securing a reduction in the insurance rate on the board’s vehicles from 12s per cent, to 8s per cent. Mr Fardell had paid for his visit overseas. “We have received a tremendous amount of criticism about the cost of sending the general manager overseas.” said Mr Brandt, speaking at a meeting of the board. “He did a considerable amount of 'work, and soon tue whole cost will be fully repaid in information he has brought to us and has gained himself. “It was suggested before he went overseas, and the general manager agreed, that he should make a careful examination of insurance rates charged on our vehicles. The rate he was able to obtain was 8s per cent, against 12s per cent. That saving alone has paid for the general manager’s visit overseas.” Mr C. C. Holland said that Mr Fardell’s report, which had been presented to the meeting, was a perfect answer to critics. In one transaction alone he had saved the cost of his trip, and there were many others. Mr Holland said some of the critics had said that Mr Fardell had not long come to New Zealand from England and should “have had all the answers;” but they had no idea that Mr Fardell had been in New Zealand for six years, and for six or seven years before that had been in the forces. Several other members praised the report. Mr W. S. Mac Gibbon said he doubted if 41 of the board’s new buses would have been shipped to New Zealand had it not been for the energy of the general manager and his contact with the supplying firms. “I would say without hesitation that the contents of the report would satisfy the people of Christchurch quite apart from the saving of insurance.” said Mr G. D. Griffiths. “I think it is a very informative and comprehensive report which will be of value to the board and to the'public of Christchurch generally,” said Mr T. M. Charters.