TRANSPORT OF TEAMS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 142, 17 June 1937, Page 22

TRANSPORT OF TEAMS

DEPARTMENT'S ATTITUDE

On the question of transport of teams by road Mr.. J. Prendeville, a member of the New Zealand Rugby Union executive, has been in touch with the Commissioner of Transport, and the matter, regarded as one of importance, ■was under notice at a meeting of the N.Z.R.U. executive last night.

The Commissioner of Transport, in forwarding a copy of a circular explaining the Department's attitude on the subject, stated: "It is not considered that football matches are 'special occasions' in the meaning of section 21 of the Transport Licensing Act, 1931. and therefore^ a licence under that Act must be taken out in addition to a certificate of fitness for any service in which the lorry-owner charges for the carriage of the team. "Although it is desirable from an administrative point of view that a certain amount of control be exercised over these services, it is not desired to interfere unduly with them and special arrangements are being made for reduction of the fees. As you may be aware a special reduction has been made in the fee for a certificate of fitness, the charge being only 10s, and the fee for a seasonal licence covering the whole football season will be reduced to ss. As an alternative to the latter licence, •. temporary licence may be obtained at a charge of 2s for each week. By taking out a licence the operator would not only obtain clear authority to run the service but would also free himself from the restrictions relating to contract trips as set out in section 21. Apart from the requirements under the Transport Licensing Act, the operator would need to look to his obligations for compulsory thirdparty insurance, as by carrying paying passengers a higher premium becomes payable."

Mr. Prendeville was thanked for his action, and it was decided to send a copy of the communication to all unions.

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