Transport Industry and Co-ordination of Services

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 280, 27 November 1939, Page 3

Transport Industry and Co-ordination of Services

COMPULSION AGAIN DENIED Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. 24. Delegates from various parts of the Dominion were present at the seventh annual conference of the New Zealand oad Transport Alliance, which concluded in Wellington to-day. Mr. J. B. Cul lon presided. The conference reaffirmed its co-operation in orderly efforts for the improvement of transport and decided to recommend the setting up of a national transport council representative of all motor transport and allied trade organisations. Mr. J H. Kirkwood, president of the New Zealand Carriers’ Federation, con curred with this view. A special report by the council said:— 1 i There is no truth in the assertion that there has been dictation by the Government or by the organised industry itself. The Government has merely asked that the industry put its house in order and eliminate unnecessary running. There is no dictation to effect mergers, amalgamations or such like. It is for the industry itself to effect a degree of co-ordination that will ensure efficient and economic operation, and with this requirement the organised industry agrees. ‘ ‘ The Minister of Transport has made a definite statement that the Government has no intention of socialising the industry. We do not believe they have any intention of taking over any transport services other than those competing with the railways, and would resist to the limit any such proposal. “Despite controversy and criticism, a great deal has already been accomplished toward better co-ordination. While we are unable to foresee ihe Government’s decision in regayi to advice already tendered on both national and district proposals, further improvement id confidently expected.” The following were elected to the council: Messrs. R. G. Andrews (South Auckland), A. S. Bailey (Auckland), C. Cassidy (SouJ.ern Hawke's Bay), li. Ix. Curtis (Taran; ki), T. J. Dam

'West Coast), C. A. Rcarse (Inver atgill), W. Mockett .'North Canto bury), i. O. Musgravo (Gisborne;, G. JJ. Neave (Northern Otago), C. E. Robinson (Manawatu), W. W. Ruff (Bay of i lcnty;, P. J. S:orih (Wanganui), T. Somerville (Southern Otago), I'. J. Townsend (Gore) and W. D. Thompson (South Auckland).