BUS VERSUS TRAM

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 253, 9 July 1926, Page 4

BUS VERSUS TRAM

T THE EXCESS FARE PENALTY Still another reference to the motor bus regulations was made in the House of Representatives yesterday, wh e » the annual report of the Internal At fairs Department was being considered Sir John Luke (Wellington North) described the excess fare provision as being far away from British fair play. He quoted figures to show that the tramways were in a position to meet competition from a fair and square basis. He considered that the regulations should relate only to the safety and convenience of the public, the finding of a reasonable insurance bond, and continuity, of service. In connection with the insurance, Sir John Luke made it clear that he did not support a provision that contemplated a claim that would not be conceivable. He agreed that buses should not ’be allowed to pirate the trade during the rush hours; the service should be available at all times. Private enterprise should not: be stifled. Mr. J. McCombs (Lyttelton) held that even when buses were running everv hour they were taking a slice out of the business that belonged to the trams. < ■ Co-ordination of the services was urged bv Mr. H. Holland (Christchurch North). In the course of his reply the Hon. R F. Bollard said he had nothing to answer, as the question raised' came under the purview of the Minister of Public Works. (Laughter.)