RUATORIA CHAMBER DISCUSSES ROAD TRANSPORT SERVICES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22822, 17 December 1948, Page 3

RUATORIA CHAMBER DISCUSSES ROAD TRANSPORT SERVICES

(Herald Correspondent.)

Satisfaction with the existing road transport services was expressed by the Ruatoria Chamber of Commerce at a meeting this week following a discussion arising from an interview by an executive of the chamber with an investigating officer of the Transport Department.

Suggestions for effecting savings in rates, possibly by an amalgamation of services and the allocation of route and area licenses were canvassed, however, and Messrs Me. Kcnna. H. F. Smyth and Tennet were appointed as a sub committee to inquire further into the question of anomilies in freight charges between Ruatoria and Gisborne. Early Reticulation Unlikely

Mr. D. W. W. Williams submitted a detailed report on the suggested electric reticulation of the Waiapu area, which lie said was dependant on five factors. These were: (a) the availability of electric power: (b) the availabitit.v of materials and transport; (c) Ihe provision by the State Ilydro-elec-tric Department of a point of supply at Tnkomaru: (d) the granting of a subside by the Rural Reticulation Council to assist consumers to meet guarantees: and (e) the provision of (lie necessary finance to meet construction costs.

The report drew the conclusion that no reticulation of the Wniapu seemed likelv for many years. Mr. Williams received a vote of thanks. Common Petrol Price Aim

Regarding the suggestions for a common Dominion price for petrol, the chamber received the reply from the Associated Chambers that a remit on the subject had already been received without success at an annual meeting. The Associated Chambers agreed that the matter was not one for the Government. but for tire companies in competition to greatest hurdle fo readjustment was that city users of petrol would not bo agreeable to an increased price. Mr. P. Ngnia reported that erosion the Stream was receiving attention from the Catchment Board. lie is to report further following cmy decision by the Catchment Board.

Regional Planning

Mr. H. F. Rm.vth (Jnr.) reporting on the recent annual meeting in Gisborne of the Regional Planning Council, agreed with Mr. Tanlin, that the council had a very important function, but that its approach to the problems was “rather disappointing.” Mr. West referred to the lack of water for fire fighting purposes in Ruatoria. He pointed out that the brigade at a recent fire took 5000 gallons of water from an underground private supply costing £l3 15s. Mr. West sigmfied his intention of organising a campaign for the purchase of a high pressure pump for fire-fighting purposes.

An application by Mr. J. F. Williamson for membership of the chamber was approved.