MOTOR BUS V. CAR

Evening Star, Issue 18926, 28 April 1925, Page 5

MOTOR BUS V. CAR

WELLINGTON PREPARES FOR FIGHT "WHERE AMERICAN MACHINES SCORE. [Special to the ‘ Stab.’] WELLINGTON, April 28. Motor bus competition against the trams has not developed in Wellington, but the corporation intends entering the field itself in anticipation of such a contingency. The tramways manager and chief traffic •inspector, after investigating Auckland conditions, made a recommendation (which has been adopted) 'for the purchase of one complete American bus, a fivc-passen-ger chassis of the same design, and a three-passenger chassis from an English maker, the latter being of short wheel base and suitable; for traffic on the hills. Explaining their preference for American machines, the council’s officers remark ; “ We regret that it h necessary to pass over machines of British manufacture. Unfortunately British makers have not lowered their chassis, nor departed to any extent worth mentioning from the standard truck design. There is every indication that the corporation in the immediate future will (lie face to face with severe competition from privately-owned machines. It may be taken for granted that these competitors will not use British machines, and it is of the utmost importance that the council should he in a position to deal with private competition at the very commencement of the struggle. This can only he done by purchasing machines which will attract and retain traffic. It has been the aim of the department in the past to purchase (as far as possible) British plant. Practically the whole of the new power plant came from Britain; but in view of the fact that the financial position of the tramways undertaking may be jeopardised if unsuitable motor vehicles are purchased, we strongly urge that effect be given to our recommendation.”