RESTRICTIONS ON CARTAGE

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29395, 23 December 1960, Page 12

RESTRICTIONS ON CARTAGE

Easing Probably In February (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 22. Any lifting of the present restrictions on the cartage of livestock and goods in competition with the railways will not be made until early in the New Year, probably in February. Announcing this Cabinet decision today, the Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine) said that interested parties would be consulted before any changes were made. These parties would include the railways management and employee organisations, transport operators, , Federated Farmers, freezing companies, and stock and station agents. The Minister said the Government had received a number of representations from carriers and farmers’ bodies about its declared policy to encourage competition and greater flexibility between road transport and railways. “The Government intends to implement this policy as soon as possible.” Mr McAlpine said. “The first step will be to deal with the question of livestock cartage. “Though this may reduce railways revenue. I have plans to make many other changes simultaneously. Some of these are intended to enhance railways revenues. and others will reduce railway costs.

“Because of the extent of the reorganisation proposed. no changes can be made until the position has been fully examined,” Mr McAlpine added. “However, I am positive that the plans now being considered will make a worth-while contribution to the efficiency of our transport system.”