COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORT

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27147, 17 September 1953, Page 10

COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORT

TRIBUTE TO WORK OF MR G. L. LAURENSON

(New Zealand Press Association) WANGANUI, September 16. Appreciation of the services and co-operation of Mr G. L. Laurenson in his 16 years as Commissioner of Transport was placed on record at the annual conference of the New Zealand Passenger Transport Operators’ Federation in Wanganui today. Mr Laurenson. who will retire after 42 years’ public service at the end of 1953, attended the conference to hear suggestions and reply to questions. Mr Laurenson had served longer than any other Commissioner, and had made a good job of a difficult position, said the president of the federation (Mr C. L. Edwards). Members were grateful for his frankness in dealin* with their proposals, and when any complaint was brought to his attention, it was sure to be investigated. The federation would extend toe same co-operation to Mr Laurenson’s successor as it had to him. Replying. Mr Laurenson traced the history of long-distance road transport in New Zealand. He said that in future operators would have to face competition from air services and from the private car. He believed this competition would be good for the industry, and from his knowledge of New Zealand operators, he was sure they could meet it.