Transport Regulations

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7007, 17 November 1932, Page 7

Transport Regulations

Government Has Open Mind

NO FINAL DECISION YET

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night,

Discussing the .Estimate for the Transport Department in the House tonight, Air. U. A. Wilkinson asked now far the Transport Department intended to go with what he described as restrictive and possibly unnecessary regulations. lie said it appeared that the board was going to take upon lisuii powers the exercise of which would force motor services olf the road wholly and solely in the interests of the railways. He submitted that motor transport had performed a substantial service to the country'.

Mr. W. E. Barnard asked whether it was proposed to go ahead with the policy of eliminating uneconomic forms of transport. Ho said there was a great deal of overlapping of taxi services and many taxi drivers were eking out a most precarious existence.

Air, Coates, replying to Air. Wilkinson, said there were two sides to the question so far as restrictive legislation was concerned. He assured the House that ho would approach the ■whole subject of transport services with a very open mind. By the end of this month all objections which might be lodged by those interested in the running of transport services would havo been received and the whole position would be most carefully investigated. Until he had had an opportunity of thoroughly considering all the objections it would not be possible for him to indicate what steps it was proposed to take in the direction of licensing services particularly with respect to the carriage of goods. He rcaliseii that the position was full of difficulty. Replying to Air. Barnard, Air. Coates said it was not proposed to extend the powers of the board with respect to the regulation of taxi services. Air. AlcKeen urged that more attention should be paid to tho inspection of service cars. Air. Coates said all service ears were inspected annually when licenses were issued. Air. AlcKeen expressed the opinion that more frequent inspections should be carried out. The vote was passed. Dissatisfaction in Gisborne GISBORNE, East Night. Transport matters continue to occasion much discussion here. To-day the Cook County passed a resolution in favour of a reduction in motor service fares, members commenting adversely on tho administration of the services in this district from Napier. The Alotor Association resolved to i.vrrn + V>n immediate formation of a

The Motor Association resolved to urge the immediate formation of a separate transport district. The Chamber of Commerce resolved to request the Minister to receive a comprehensive deputation with a \ien to tho formation of a separate distnet and the appointment of members with the necessary local knowledge.