Greater Use Of Roads Urged

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30513, 7 August 1964, Page 6

Greater Use Of Roads Urged

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 5.

The New Zealand railways system was fighting a rearguard action in the face of road transport development, the No. 7 Transport Licensing Authority (Mr M. F. Calder) was told today by Mr P. N. Holloway, a former Minister in the Labour Government.

Mr Holloway was giving evidence in support of an application by Car Freighters (N.Z.) Ltd., to operate a car-

transporter service between Auckland and Wellington. A representative for an overseas shipping line, Mr Holloway said road transport overseas was far more advanced than in New Zealand.

“We should try to make sure the cost of productivity is at the most efficient level,” he said. If a system of transport were available which was cheaper and providing the utilisation of such a service in no way affected the country’s economy, it should be used.

The roads were being built to carry a greater volume of heavier traffic than was using them. There was a constant battle between road and rail. He thought roaa transport efficiency was growing and could be developed. In the end the greater use of the roads would result in a

saving and, eventually, profits would go to the Consolidated Fund.

Distribution was the highest single cost factor in New Zealand and consumers could not afford to refuse any saving, no matter how slight. The principle factor must be one of cost in the transport system and the form of transport used must be the most economical.

“We have been dilatory in our ability to make the transport system flexible and New Zealand has been slow in coming to grips with this problem,” said Mr Holloway.