WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1935. The Government Taking Over

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 97, 27 April 1938, Page 4

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1935. The Government Taking Over

From the first of May next, one of the most prominent commercial activities of Palmerston North will lose its identity. The Dominion’s largest motor transport service then becomes absorbed by the Railways Department. Last Saturday eyening the Highways Transport Company’s directors gave a dinner to mark the conclusion of their company’s activities. In the course of the evening much was said upon transport problems and the history of the company and its ramifications were unfolded, while officials of the Railways Department spoke of the co-ordination of transport and gave promise of benefits to follow.

Before passing to the future, the company’s record of service deserves review. Founded thirteen years ago with one lorry, the firm now closes its career witli 43 vehicles in operation, a staff of 80 employees and a turnover for the past year of £70,000. A daily service was provided for 36 towns, covering that vast triangle from New Plymouth to Napier, to Wellington—half the area of the North Island. Over 1,000,000 miles were travelled each year.

This great organisation was built upon service—the reliable and economical carriage of goods—to the needs of clients over all the wide area served. No one was compelled to use it. There were competitive and alternative services. The company was founded and managed by citizens of Palmerston North and was one in which all citizens may well have felt a justifiable pride.

That such a concern should be forced out of business is a sad commentary upon the present trend of high piolicy. No apology is needed for the employment of the term “forced out of business.” Recent transport events throughout the Dominion all too clearly indicate the truth of the phrase. Officials of the Railway Department promise an even better service, doubtless doing so in full confidence and in all sincerity. But does monopoly ever make for the highest standards of efficiency and service'/ Unfortunately the records of the past offer no evidence that this is so.

In proposing the toast of “the company,” his Worship the Mayor, Mr. A. E. Hansford, remarked: “Without being critical of the present Government’s policy, because the previous Government also adopted the policy of controlling road services, and without in any way posing as a prophet, I want to say I am firmly convinced that this company, or a similar one, will be bom again to do the same work.” In that belief we concur. When the craze for control, co-ordination and centralisation has passed, as it surely will, the benefits of freedom of enterprise will again be recognised and welcomed.