RIGHTS OF LOCAL BODIES.

Northern Advocate, 4 October 1913, Page 3

RIGHTS OF LOCAL BODIES.

PUBLIC - TRANSPORT SERVICES

AUCKLAND, Oct. 3

The City Council last night discussed the clause in the Municipal Corporation Amendment Bill now before Parliament empowering councils to establish, maintain and regulate services for the conveyance of passengers, etc., within boroughs, and the proposed amendment asked for by the Auckland Tramway Company to protect the company from municipal competition and provide compensation in the event of any tramway concession granted by the municipality being infringed.

The Mayor, Mr Parr, expressed the opinion that the citizens would never consent to be tied up in the manner suggested. The Auckland deed of delegation guaranteed the company against competition from another tramway, but did not forbid competition in any other form. Moreover, there were local reasons for the citizens having the right to run motor-busses in and about Auckland. Certain municipalities in the south were anxious to obtain the right to run motor-busses, and were favourable to a clause giving councils that power, which he regarded as an absolutely necessary right. If the amendment were carried the Tramway Company could block any other form of traffic, but its own, and prevent anybody from running motor-busses.

The Council resolved to communicate with the city and suburban members of Parliament and ask them to enter vigorous opposition to the proposed amendment.

The Mayor, city solicitor and chairman of the Electricity Committee were authorised to proceed to Wellington and give evidence before a Parliamentary Committee if necessary.