TRANSPORT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 19 August 1933, Page 11

TRANSPORT

NO. 7 LICENSING AUTHORITY GOODS SERVICE APPLICATIONS I J The sitting of the No. 7 Licensing Authority for tlio purpose of considering j applications for goods service licenses was concluded last evening. The nieiii- , hers of the Authority are Dr. S. A. Gibbs (chairman), Messrs Hannan and Churchward. B. F. Spiers and Sons (Murchison) applied lor an area license over the Murchison County and certain portions of the j liiangiilma, Buller and Wninica Counties. Mr Fell represented tlie applicant. There was no objection to the application which was granted, with a reservation as to fixing freights. On behalf of Spiers and Co., Mr Fell objected to a license being granted to A. J. MeCraa, contended that the service was not required, and that it had not been established that lie was entitled to an automatic license, Miireliisoii-Glen-liope, and Murciiison-Wostport. No objection was made to tlie Gowan-Glcnliopo route

B. F. Spiers in evidence said be bad been conducting a service for 12 years. Prior to tiie railway contract in 1927 the freight between Murchison and Glenhope was £2 a ion. In 1927 he took a railway contract, between tlie two points, the freight coining down to 27s 6d a ton. In November, 1931, lie had seven lonics running, and was quite able to cope with all requirements. The quantity of general goods carried between Murchison and Glonliope had now fallen by about half. There were practically no other carriers in 1927. Ho was also running a service between Murchison and the Coast, lie could cope with all the traffic at the Coast end. Some of the charges made by McCaa could not pay running costs.

To Mr Rout (for McCaa) witness said there were about four carriers operating when tlio freight was .C2 a ton. After lie (witness) got tlie railway contract tlie others went off the road. Counsel questioned witness as to what price lie submitted when tenders for the railway contract wero thrown open, and witness said he could not remember.

Regarding die remark made about the falling off of freight, witness explained that lie meant the inward goods to Glenhope. Counsel submitted figures showing that general goods out of Murchison had shown only a slight decrease, while live stock had almost doubled last year. B. F. Spiers, junr., in the course of evidence, said that prior to the termination of the railway contract His firm could adequately cope with all the traffic. Mr Rout, in submitting that the application bo granted, contended that if his client was put off the road freight fares would bo increased. Consideration was deferred.

G. G. S. Bowers (Nelson) applied for an area route covering the Motucka, Moutere ridings, and part of the Appleby riding, west of the Waimoa river; and route licenses covering Motuoka-lii-angaliua-Blenhcim (via Wairau). Mr liarley appeared for the applicant. Mr Spencer C. Smith objected on behalf of Funnel and L. G. Wakefield to the area license over the Motueka and Moutere ridings on the grounds that applicant had not established that lie was entitled to an automatic license.

After evidence had been heard, consul eration was deferred.

The following other applications were also dealt- with: P. Baldwin and Co., Ltd. (Nelson), granted; L. A. Hunter (Neson), granted; W. A. Kenning (Nelson), granted; B. A. Brough (Nelson), granted; IT. P. ITawkens (Redwood’s Valley), granted; Clias. Haggitt (Nelson), granted; F. L. Hill (Nelson), granted ; M. Stock (Nelson), granted. J. M. Gaul (Wakefield) did not appear in support of his application, which was therefore refused.

At the evening session further applications wero approved as follows Newman Bros., Ltd., (Nelson); G. S. Thompson (Nelson); H. Brough (Nelson) ; IT. and R, Stratford (Hope). The application of C. F. Dobson for minor amendments to a passenger service was declined.

Tlie passenger license of tlio Nelson Suburban Bus Coy., Nelson-Riclimond and Nelson-Taliunanui was granted until the end of August. The meeting adjourned at 11.30 p.m.