CARS SHIPPED AT PICTON

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28702, 27 September 1958, Page 18

CARS SHIPPED AT PICTON

Difficulties Of A.A., Marlborough The Automobile Association (Marlborough) ia having difficulties in maintaining its service in handling the cars of A.A. members shipped through Picton. It has asked other associations ifi both islands, whose members are major users, for financial, help. About 11,000 cars a year were shipped through Picton..' Mr W. J. Elvy told the South Island Motor Union conference yesterday. His small association had heavy requests to arrange loading and unloading. attend to wharf formalities, and perhaps deliver vehicles to Blenheim. Two-thirds of this traffic came from the North Island. An appeal for help had been made. Somj* associations made grants and other): did not, so the gifts were returned and Marlborough struggled on as best it could. > Canterbury had withdrawn assistance because it thought help ought to be given on a pro rata basis by. all associations, said Mr E. R. Casbolt.

Told that Marlborough charged 5s for wharf handling and 10s for delivery ■' to Blenheim,' Mr E. J. Barron (Southland) said these rates were ridiculous. Rates should be raised to meet the full cost of the service. Excessive demands would be made at the cheap rates, whereas those who genuinely wanted help would be prepared to pay more.

The shipping company might make some contribution for the time save ships’ officer;, said Mr R. A. Douglas (Otago). . It was agreed that the executive should investigate the question and refer it to the joint committee of both unions in an attempt to get some uniformity about the free and charged services provided by associations in car shipping;