HEAVY TRANSPORT LICENSES

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 10 March 1934, Page 9

HEAVY TRANSPORT LICENSES

OBJECTION TO MONOPOLY,

COUNCIL QUOTES SPECIFIC CASE

The alleged arbitrary distribution of heavy traffic licenses by the Heavy Transport License Board was the subject of a brief discussion at the monthly meeting to-day of the Hawera County Council. A specific instance of a monopoly created in the district was quoted and the chairman (Or. J. S. Murdoch) at the request of the council, agreed to endeavour to arrange a meeting with the Commissioner of Transport (Mr J. S. Hunter) on the matter.

Acknowledgment was received from the Minister of Transport (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) of the considered opinion of the conned at its last meeting that the allocation of goods-servioe licenses in the district by the No. 5 Transport Licensing Authority was not in the host interests of the farming community and asking that some relaxation of the present arbitrary restrictions should be made. The Minister stated that the control of motor trucks under the Act broke new ground in this country and he had been watching the administration of the regulations with interest. The aim was to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of the Dominion’s land transportservices, particularly in rural areas where transport costs were a very important factor in the development of the 'country. The peculiar position which applied in the Taranaki district had been referred to the Commissioner of Transport to investigate, so that consideration might be given to whatever remedial steps were found to be warranted.

In reply to the chairman. Or. T. A .Winks'said in his district (Ararata) two carriers had been engaged in business, but now one was allowed to cart onlv shingle and firewood, while the other had ;• general service license. The former had carted a good deal of wool and at one time liis price was Is a bale as against his competitor’s 1 ,3s 6cl. A monopoly of the general eartintr had been given to- the one man who had refused to take lambs and calves to Patea, which had necessitated this work being done by other curriers. The county clerk (Mr J. W. Harding) pointed out that the license had not been given to the other carrier because he had other regular employment. An appeal against him had been lodged by hi-s competitors. Cr. Winks: That has nothing to do with ns as farmers. Cr. A. G. Larcom said there was often difficulty in coping with the rush of wool for sales. From November to .Tanuary was a- busy period, also from March to May. There were probably other examples of carriers being given a monopoly which affected settlers. said Or. Wink's. The Ararata district was an extensive one. The carrier who now had the license had been quite satisfactory. except for his charges, and the dain- company had no nor££ oft-. The chairman agreed to make representations to the Commissioner.