TRANSPORT BOARD

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVI, Issue 3442, 12 March 1932, Page 5

TRANSPORT BOARD

RESTRICTIONS ON MOTOR SERVICES. HANDICAP TO FARMERS. At the County Council meeting yesterday Cr. Jones brought up the question of tie activities of the Transport Board. One service between Auckland and New Plymouth had been cut out. Since then the fares had gone up at the demand of the Board, the policy being that motor services must charge 5 per cent, more than the railway fares. This was imposing a burden on the farmers distant from railways, who had no concession for the transport of lime and manure.

Cr. Wilson said that this 5 per cent, was only charged when the motor traffic was in competition with the railways. He did not think that the Transport Board would insist on it being imposed between Te Kuiti and New Plymouth. The Transport Board was one of the best things ever introduced into this country, and had to feel its way for a start. Cr. Jones said it was to be hoped' that too many restrictions would not be placed on the motor traffic. In his district it was the only means of transport and the settlers in his district were very much concerned over the matter. It had also been stated that motor buses would be prohibited from carrying large parcels, and this would be a great inconvenience to settlers in districts like his own, as there was no regular transport service by lorries between Mokau and Te Kuiti. He considered there should be no restrictions as to what motor buses should carry.

Cr. Wilson said there seemed to be some misunderstanding over the policy of the Transport Board, and proposed that the Board be written to asking if members of the Council could meet the Board to discuss its policy as it affected settlers. This resolution was carried.