BUS TRAFFIC.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2709, 17 June 1925, Page 9

BUS TRAFFIC.

IN COMPETITION WITH TRAMS. CONTROLLING BY-LAW QUESTIONED. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, June 16. In the Supreme Court the proprietors of the Auckland Omnibus Comuany are moving to quash the City Council's new by-law controlling bus traffic, on the ground that it is unreasonable, partial, unequal in operation, oppressive?, and discloses bad faith, is in restraint of trade, and ultra vires. Counsel for the applicants (Mr. Meredith) said the broad issue was whether the council acted bona fide, the council having an individual interest arising from competition with the tramway service. Sir James Gunson, Gx-Mayor, gave evidence that the tramways manager had reported at least twice on the position regarding bus competition, and indicated that unless the buses were restricted the council would bo faced with a. serious position. Witness had never said that the council’s expenditure of. £1,250,000 on thepurchase of trams in 1919 was threatened by the buses, and that they would be justified in crushing the competition by any moans. He had never adopted that attitude. His policy had always been to conserve the interests of the tramways. He had maintained that it was necessary for the council to get control of bus traffic for the purpose of preventing wasteful competition. His mind was obviously "occupied with the city finances in respect of this matter. The by-law did not emanate from him, and be was away from' Auckland when discussion took place.

Mr. Hogan, city traffic inspector, said the by-law had proved an effective measure in combating the increasing traffic of Queen street. Mr. R. B. Hammond, townplanning consultant, said the restriction against buses in Queen street was unnecessary and suggested the removal lof safety zones and centre poles, specified crossings for pedestrians and a reduction in the speed of vehicles.

The Judge said that at the present stage, he was disposed to think that possibly some arrangement could bo made whereby the buses could be allowed in Queen street on Sundays and at such times in the evening as traffic conditions would permit. There did not seem to be any evidence to the effect that congestion was a serious matter after about G. 30 p.m. That aspect, however,- could be considered later.

Mr. Meredith for the Bus Proprietors’ Association, addressed the Court, contending that the 15y-law was ultra vires and the case was then adjourned till to-morrow.