TOURISTS FROM OVERSEAS

Evening Star, Issue 22203, 4 December 1935, Page 2

TOURISTS FROM OVERSEAS

SPECIAL TRANSPORT SERVICES [Per United Press Association;] AUCKLAND, December 3. “ The importance of thoroughly catering for overseas tourists is great, and special services are both necessary and desirable,” said Mr J. A. C. Allum, chairman of the Central Licensing Authority, in granting to Johnston’s Blue Taxis Ltd. (Mr Finlay), and Motorways (Mr Wallace), licenses to carry from Auckland only persons visiting the country from overseas. A further application by New Zealand Tours, Incorporated (Mr Keegan), was declined. “ These are in the nature of luxury services,” continued Mr .Allum. “To a certain extent they will create their own business and will handle only a small amount of business which would go to the regular moans of travel. If, however, the method of booking appears to be unsatisfactory, even by a strong suspicion, the decisions will be reviewed.” The applications were opposed by the Railways Department and certain* motor _ operators. During the hearing of the application of New Zealand Tours, Mr Keegan said the organisation wanted the right to carry tourists from the main ports in the country, but said it would not run on the service car routes. It was pointed out that under the Transport Licensing Act an incorporated society could not operate for gain. The license was therefore declined, but it was suggested by Mr Allum that application could be made individually or as a company. “ The class of person who makes special demands and is willing to pay special prices is not coming to this country, and they should be able to obtain what they want,” said Mr Finlay when the application of Johnston’s Blue Taxis 1 Ltd. was being heard. “ They should not be constrained, but encouraged and met by special conveniences for their comfort. Tourists demand to travel iu

luxury, and there will be no such traffic if they are made to travel on our internal services. We are prepared to adjust our fares so as not to interfere with such services, which would not get the business in any case.” Mr Finlay stated that any set time table would be impossible, as it must be governed by the arrival and departure of ships. Ho also said that tourists thought taxi cabs were tpo small for these trips, and that service cars had to run to time table. It was decided that the evidence taken iu this case should be applied to the application of Motorways. Both applications were granted, and it was suggested that the operators should confer with regard’to lixing the scale ol fares.