Scrap-metal Firm Faces “Illogical Situation”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29499, 28 April 1961, Page 22

Scrap-metal Firm Faces “Illogical Situation”

A scrap-metal firm twice prosecuted for breach of its goods service licence, was faced with an illogical situation, the No. 9 District Transport Licensing Authority <Mr J. S. Haywood, was told yesterday. Mr C. B. Atkinson said his client. New Zealand Metal Smelters, Ltd., of 593 Colombo street, would have to unload "even one piece” of scrap metal on to a railway waggon before it could legally carry the remainder of a part load back to Christchurch. The Christchurch branch of the Company sought exemption from rail restriction when carrying.its own scrap metal from any point in the South Island to Christchurch on occasions where the metal > did not amount to a load on ■ one of the company’s trucks. The application was opposed by the Railways Department (Mr L. C. Brown). Mr Haywood reserved his decision. Mr Atkinson said his client now had a licence to carry its own scrap metal to the nearest rail head when buying anywhere in the South Island. Occasionally, after filling a railways waggon, a small amount of metal was left on the truck. Under the present terms of the licence this could be carried to Christchurch on the return journey. However, there were times when not enough metal for a waggon load was collected in an area. “Magistrates have taken the view that unless the company has off-loaded something it is liable to prosecution.” Mr Atkinson said. Mr Brown said that the department was concerned that any additional exemption would be made annlicable to other scran-metal dealers, virtually depriving the department of scrap-metal carriage. "I do not doubt that the apolicant has good faith and Intention.” he said. Desmond Patrick Callahan, manager of the Christchurch branch of the company, said the branch was not interested in becoming a carrier. The Railways Department provided an efficient and economic service.

The company had twice in the last six years paid £20.000 a year to the department. Mr Callahan said. If the amendment was granted it would deprive the department of about £2OO a year. Reserving his decision. Mr Haywood said he was sympathetically inclined toward

the applicant He asked counsel to confer and submit suggestions to him. William Joseph Lionel Glasson, of 100 Rose street (Mr M. F. Hobbs). was granted the addition of one vehicle authority to his continuous goods service licence. He will carry coal and firewood under contract to G. McClatchie and Sons, Ltd., between April and September. The application was opposed by the Christchurch and Suburban Carriers* Association <Mr J. J. B. Connor). A new continuous goods service licence with three vehicle authorities was granted to R. C. Horsley, Ltd., of 309-315 Cashel street (Mr J. A. Bretherton). The company will carry its own metal, gravel, shingle, scoria, sand, pumice, soil, and spoil. In an application heard on Wednesday. John Spencer Lewin, of Main South road, Hornby (Mr Bretherton) was eranted a new goods service licence with one vehicle authority. The licence will allow him to carry his own road metal, gravel, shingle, scoria, sand, pumiee. soil, or spoil in conjunction whit his own contracting plant and eouipment. and in connexion with his own contracts. He will also be able to carry his olant and equipment to and from his own contracts with exemption from the 30-mile rail restriction. The application was opnosed by the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Road Transport Alliance (Mr Connor), and the Railways Department (Mr Brown).