30-MILE LIMIT FOR CARRIERS

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 187, 9 August 1940, Page 10

30-MILE LIMIT FOR CARRIERS

STRENUOUS OBJECTION (By Telegraph—Pres* Association) DUNEDIN, Aug. 8. Strenuous objection to the review of continuous goods services licences issued nine months ago to three big carrying companies, Crust and Crust, the New Zealand Express Co., and the Tilbury Forwarding Co., was made to the Number 4 Transport Licensing Authority by counsel representing them. In giving his decision, Mr V. Raines said that exemption from the clause prohibiting the carriage of furniture and household goods beyond a 30-mile limit would be revoked. During the argument preceding the decision, Mr Raines said that the basis for the review was a direction by the Minister that wherever possible New Zealand fuel, such as coal, should be used. Counsel contended that the licensing authority could not act outside the limits of the relevant Act. If they were going to be interfered with on the ground of petrol, they would go to a judicial authority for an interpretation of the Act. It looked from these cases as though the Licensing Authority was also an auxiliary to the Oil Fuel Controller. A detrimental review of these companies’ licences might put them out of business. Counsel also stated that there could be no bona fides in the petrol shortage for commercial use when private users were given eight gallons monthly. Mr Raines gave a written judgment, -since the matter may be tested.