ROAD AND RAIL

Grey River Argus, 1 March 1928, Page 4

ROAD AND RAIL

BRITISH COMPANY Seek Monopoly IN BILL BEFORE COMMONS. A TORY PREFERS NATIONALISATION. (Received February 29 at 7 p.m.) LONDON, February 28. The House of Commons opened a two days’ debate on a Bill promoted by the big five railways, giving them powers to run motor services of passengers and goods in opposition to road transport companies. Mr J. G. Lamb. K.C., in movi"" the rejection of the Bill, said the railways already had 35,000 vehicles on the road, of which 4000 were motor vehicles. He objected to giving them power en abling them to embark in an entirely new business. lie believed the existing competition ensured lower charges to farmers and other producers. Mr A. C. N. Dixie (Conservative), in seconding its rejection, said the Bill would give the companies power to squeeze out every small motor omnibus company. Rather than give the railways a monopoly, he would prefer to see the railways nationalised.

Mr Edward C. Grenfell (Conservative) said the question was whether the railways should be prevented from competing with road transport companies. who at present had a stranglehold upon the railways. He repudiated the idea that the Bill would enable the railways to establish a monopoly. Sir R. Sanders said the railways had a prima facie case which should be referred to a Committee for investigation. The fear of the agriculturists, that if the railways go thes" powers the rates would go up, was unfounded. Mr’ J. Bromley (Labour) earnestly supported the Bill. The railway employees were meeting the unregulated competition of men who were driving ramshackle vehicles on tike road at wages as low as 30s to 35s per week. Yesterday the Prime Minister visited the Territorial Camp at Omoto, and addressed the men, eulogising their training, and wishing them a good time. Major Murray and stuff entertained Messrs Coates, Seddon and Glenn, M’s.P., at morning tea. There was no doubt about what dav yesterday was in the Jubilee programme. ther e being a record assemblage of children in town. It is computed that about nearly six thousand of them were on Victoria Park in the afternoon, when the Maori Poi dancers were the greatest attractions their haka-s, canoe and love songs, and dancing fascinating everyone. Mn Tainui made a very capable director of the troupe. An Auckland message states that the new Methodist College for training theological students was officially opened yesterday. Tho institution is a gift to the New Zealand Baptist Union from “Seven men, animated by a desire for service,” and the generosity of well wishers throughout the Dominion has resulted in the complete equipment ami furnishing of the college free of debt. The college will open to-mor-row with ten students in residence. New Records just to hand: “The Shamrock. Irish Selection,” Parts 1 and 2 by the Silver Stars Band; “Just a Melody” and “When You’re Far Away,” sung by Vernon Dalhart and Carl Robison; “The Liberator March” and “The Flag of Freedom,” played by the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army; “The .Skaters Waltz” and “Wallabies March,” accordian solo; “The Fate of Kinnie Wagner” and “When we sat beneath the Maple on the Hill,” by Al Graver and Chas. Wells; price 4/ each. Call and hear them at A. E. Kilgour’s Piano, Gramophone and Music Depot.— Advt. Tho Customs revenue in Auckland for February was £201,623, compared with £202,518 for the previous February. —Press Assn. Three ways to please your husband — take your choice—give him Gransola wafers for lunch, Milderson’s Shortette ’or m ea, or Jam Tit Bit for Supper; l/(* ’i” lb from Haglund Bro».-— On Tuesday night another attempt t’ break into the Railway Station at Ik.imatua was made. From the new window put in to replace the one broken before, practically all the putty was removed. However, an entrance was not effected. Greymouth’s greatest Drapery Bargains at Thorpy’s Ltd., successors of McGruer’s Mawhera Quay Greymouth. Pay a visit of inspection. Several adverse comments arc voiced that the great majority of visiting public men have had no opportunity of addressing the people during the Jubilee, and as many are leaving already. there will be no opportunity of hearing them. Possibly the Jubilee Committee may yet organise some function for civic and other representatives on a special visit, at which they will be able to voice the sentiments of the cities and towns which have sent them here.

Tourists and Citizens, spend the day or week-end at the House of B’s— Beautiful Birch Bush, Bright Beach, Best Beer, the Bountiful Bar, belonging to Burger- Afternoon ter a specialty. The beet of wines and splits stocked. Bns passes door.—Geo. Burger, proprietor, Piios HeaVr Resort.— kdvt.