NEW MINISTRY

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 56, 9 March 1929, Page 10

NEW MINISTRY

MR. VEITCH 1 OPTIMISTIC

x Optimism regarding tho future of the newly-constructed Ministry of Transport was expressed by the new Minister (tho Hon. W. A. Vcitch) yesterday afternoon, when replying to representations made to him on behalf of the motorists of the Dominion. Mr. Veitchtold the motorists that he would consider their request for, greater representation on the board, anc 1. would submit the matter to Cabinet. Consideration would also bo given to the question of consolidating the various Acts dealing with motorists, and, if possible, a consolidating measure would be introduced next session.

Eefcrring first of all to- congratulations which, had been extended to him on his appointment, Mr. "Veitch said he did not know yet whether ho was to bo congratulated or prayed for. (Laughter.) However, he looked into the future with a great deal of optimism, as ho sincerely believed that it would bo possible to bring about very substantial improvements in the methods of carrying on the great industry of motor transport. It was obvious that transport was going to be a-very important feature of our national life; indeed, it was that already. That was the reason wliy the Prime Minister, very wisely ho thought, had decided to set up a special Ministry of Transport. It had bscn suggested that there should be a consolidation of the laws which applied to transport. As a matter of fact, he had had that matter under consideration. The present regulations had been submitted to- a great deal of criticism, some of which was no doubt justified. It had to be remembered that it was a difficult matter to make regulations to meet a growing problem, without causing a certain amount-of inequity.. Tl*s Minister said ho could not promise that there 'would be a consolidation next session, but ho could promise to go very carefully into the matter, in the hope that it would be possible to'bring down something satisfactory for next session, liowovor, ho would .prefer to leave it over for a year rather than rush the job.

So far as the constitution of the board was concerned,-Mr. Vcitch said that he was not so much concerned, about , the equality of the representation numerically, because ho did not want the • board to rcsolvo itself- into a struggle of force between contending interests. He wanted a board that would work for the national good, and that would realise to tho full its responsibility of advising the Government on the big problems facing "motoring interests., Howcvor^he was prcjj)^e)d to admit that there was some-force'; in the representations which ,had been made by. the motorists in regard to their numerical strength on the board! The constitution'of the board had been'fixed-by a. Cabinet .resolution,.'and it .could not be 1 Jiltored' 1 without another Cabinet resolution. He would take tho Representations of the motorists to Cabinet, which would decide ,upon what action .was deemed advisable. The "Minister reminded the deputation, that at present' the Transport" Department was ''not backed by legislative, authority, although it wan quite legal,-and, for .that reason members of' the board would only 'act until such time .as, Parliament passed the necessary legislation; It would-be the duty of the .board o advise the Government on important matters, and although .the Government would make the final, decision, the recommendation's of tho board would be vory seriously considered. They would not'bo lightly rejected. So far as the question of payment of members of the board was concerned, 1 that matter had not yet been decided by Cabinet. It was to be understood, however, that tho board would receive reasonable expenses. .

A suggestion had been made that Mr. Hammond had been nominated by. the master carriqrs for the position o£ Commissioner of ■ Transport. That w;is not so. The Government had not asked for or had it received any recommendations. The appointment would, be made in the ordinary course of events by the Public Service Commissioner.