TRANSPORT LICENSES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 26 November 1943, Page 4

TRANSPORT LICENSES

CLAIMS OF EX-SERVICEMEN Dunedin. Nov. 25 A statement concerning the preference to be given to returning servicemen in the granting of new road transport licenses, or the approving of transfers of existing licenses, was made by the No. 4 Licensing Authority, Mr V. Raines, at n sitting in Dunedin to-day. No new license would be issued or transfer approved. Mr Raines said, till every opportunity had been given to the National Service Department to consider the possibility of ex-service-men being interested in any case. Only temporary new licenses or transfers would be approved pending investigations as to the possible interests of servicemen. “I want the public clearly to understand what is implied in my remarks.” Mr Raines said. “I cannot approve of new licenses or transfers till 1 am satisfied that the National Service Department has explored every opportunity of negotiating for any business concerned to be taken over by an ex-serviceman. New licenses, if granted at all. will be only temporary pending inquiry as to the number of returned men wishing to enter the transport industry. Everyone owes a duty to returned servicemen. and. even though inconvenience may be caused to members of the public by the decision I have outlined, the I claims of servicemen must override such objections.”—P.A.