BIRKENHEAD BUS SERVICES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19497, 29 November 1926, Page 6

BIRKENHEAD BUS SERVICES.

Sir, —A gross injustice has been done to the residents and travelling public of Birkenhead in refusing the application of tho Blue Star Company for a licence. This company has been running its buses for a considerable time and by attention and excellent service has worked up a fair share of business. To show you the advantages we gained through their services, I will quota the charges of both companies. First, from Birkenhead Wharf to Highbury Corner, 3d and to Pupuke Road, 3d, by Bluo Star Company, and by taking a concession card you would get it cheaper still. This meant a big saving to the average working man, On the other hand, the Marino Suburbs Bus Company were charging 5d to Highbury Corner and 6d to Pupuke Road, but' when competition* came they reduced their fares to correspond with tha other company. I fear that as soon as the Blue Bus Company is finished, tip will go the fares. To make matters worse, the Marine Bus Company had the cheek to ask for a licence to run in opposition to other buses on race days at Avondalo and Ellersiie. In conclusion, I think, with Mr. J. A. Allum and Mr. A. Hadfield, it is a gross insult to the residents of Birkenhead. J. P. Anderson. Glenfield Road, Birkenhead.

Sir, —Tho recent' decision by No. 1 Licensing Authority is the latest illustration of the tyranny and injustice of the naw, law. There we have the spectacle of the decision lying with an authority interested in transport aud notoriously in favour of monopolies, i* urther, it is an authority with no knowledge of, and apparently no sympathy with, the needs and aspirations of this district. A cheap and efficient transport is our most crying need. Lucltilv there is a right of appeal and it is up to us ratepayers, by means of protest meetings and petitions, to leave no stone unturned in order that this iniquitous decision may be reversed on appeal. Otherwise we shall be condemned to the same old inefficient service with its exorbitant fares which we experienced before the arrival of the Blue Bus Service. Such a calamity must inevitably depress land values and increase our weekly expenses Let us therefore he up and doing. In addition, our elected representatives, the Birkenhead Borough Council, who are our natural protectors, should do their bit and support the Appeal, I have no financial interest in either of the bus companies and sm merely A Biukenhead Ratepayer.