TRANSPORT LICENSES

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 202, 23 May 1936, Page 10

TRANSPORT LICENSES

Reasons For Decisions To Be Given Machinery amendments to the Transport Licensing Amendment Bill put forward by the Opposition were given consideration by the Minister of Transport, Hon. R. Semple, during the committee stage of the Bill in Hie House of Representatives yesterday afternoon. Win-Il discussion was proceeding on Clause 3. which provides for the appointment of district licensing authorities consisting of only one member and lays down Hie procedure to lie followed in recording decisions, Mr. AV. J. Broadfoot (Opposition, Waitomo) moved an amendment Hint all licensing authorities should reeoiil reasons for their decisions. This was accepted by tlie Minister and carried.

Mr. J. Hargest (Opposition. Awarua) moved an amendment, that Hie records of licensing authorities witli regard to decisions should be open for inspection by interested parties on Hie payment of a prescribed fee. “1 do not see any great objection to that." said Mr. Semple. "We shall have nothing to hide ami there is going to lie no question of star chamber methods. If the amendment is allowed to stand down I shall have a new suliclaiise drafted and included in Hie Bill at a later date to give effect to Hie wishes of tlie Opposition." Tlie Minister's suggestion was agreed to.

Previously Mr. W. J. Polson (Opposition. Stratford) had moved an amendment that the number of persons constituting a district licensing authority should not be reduced until all applications lor renewals of licenses in the present calendar year had been decided. Tlie Opposition called for a division on I he amendment, which was defeated by 19 votes to 13.