THE “GLAXO” LORRIES.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 82, 16 May 1918, Page 1

THE “GLAXO” LORRIES.

Dairy Association’s Reply. At the April meeting of the Matamata County council exception was taken by councillors to the manner in which theN.Z.D.A. had replied to the council’s letter re coming to an arrangement for the repair and maintenance of the Waharoa road. A letter was sent, in accordance with the remarks of councillors, which drew foi*th the following reply, read at last Friday’s meeting of the council:—•

“Mr Pacey’s recovery has not been as rapid as was expected, and we have not yet been able to discuss with him the contents of your recent letters. We do not know what occurred when Mr Pacey met your committee, but a perusal of our files would indicate that the offer to pay your council £125 was subject to a suitable understanding concerning the future. The conditions which you propose for the future are substantially, if not exactly, the same as contained in the present by-law, the enforcement of which would make the continuation of the motor service impossible. We would respectfully ask your council’s re-consideration of the matter. The collection of milk by the lorries is a public utility which provides a better market, for the milk, thus adding to the prosperity of the ratepayers who are concerned, and also to the advancement of the county. We think these factors justify special consideration by your council, and, if the proposition which Mr Pacey made is not acceptable, then we would ask your council to submit some proposition under which it will be practicable for us to continue the service. Will you allow us to say that we think the suggestion to use 8 inch tyres is worthy of further consideration ? It is true that an 8 inch tyre would involve increased suction if the lorries were run at high speed. If, however, the speed is restricted to the extent which has been suggested, the suction will be negligible. We shall be pleased to supply expert evidence on this point if you will allow us to do so. Meanwhile we regret we cannot send cheque as requested by you. Other interests are involved, and subject to a limit which has been agreed upon the first responsibility would rest upon the suppliers concerned, and if a discussion of the matter with them is necessary we shall at the same time need to consult them concerning the future.” Signed H. Dent. “ Since dictating the above we are this morning (27th April) in receipt of your further letter on this subject. Mr Pacey, under the doctor’s instructions, is not allowed to see anyone. As soon as we are able to see him your communication will be placed be- ) fore him.” i The chairman said it seemed to him that either the company was trying to bluff the council, or it was not acting fair to its suppliers. He thought all concerned were on a bad wicket, when the whole business depended upon one man. The position was now that the road would be too bad to run the lorries over next season, and thus the ratepayers at the Waharoa'end would be unable to supply to the Glaxo factory next season. It was explained that Mr Pacey’s health was in a precarious condition ; but members were unanimous that the managing director should have arranged for someone to fill his place, if the / occasion arose. It was bad for. everything in a business to depend on one man.

The chairman said Mr D. Nathan had expressed himself at the Matamata show as being in favor of paying the £125 mentioned in the first place.

Several councillors stated that they had noticed the motor lorries still travelling with heavy loads at what seemed excessive speed. A general discussion on the matter of the by-laws affecting the traffic took place and it was decided to refer the by-laws to a solicitor; and also that the whole of the correspondence be placed in the hands of the council’s solicitor for advice as to the position re the £125. The motions were carried unanimously.