THE TRANSPORT BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20111, 23 November 1928, Page 16

THE TRANSPORT BOARD.

Sir, —The hypocrisy of the argument brought forward by tlio City Council to justify their 'refusal to elect Mr. Bloodworth to tho Transport Hoard is proved conclusively by tho following facts which have come to'my not ice. The agreement which has been reached between tho Power Board and the C'it.v Council fixes the price of power for trams, and tho method l>y which tho price is to bo ascertained. that is tho only contract which would need to bo jnado between tho two boards, and it has been made beforo tho Transport Hoard takes over. On tho other hand, there will lie constant negotiation between the new Transport Board and the City Council; that must be so, because the trams or buses will continuo to run over roads controlled by tho City Council. E. M. E. Singleton. Point Chevalier.

Sir, —In your issue of November 20 Miss Alice Hasten write.' on tho question of members of tho Power Board obtaining seals on tho Transport Board, about which sho is uneasy. What is the inner meaning of tliis objection to men sitting on two boards. There has never been anything said about members of the City Council sitting on tho Power Board while tho city controlled the trams. How is it that the dangers of such a position have suddenly become apparent? Miss Basten says there was a prospect of legal action between tho City Council and tho Power I3oard over the cost of power for tho trams, but, the Act sets out definitely the amount to be charged, and it is merely a question of checking the cost. Some people cannot realise that the new board is a Transport Board, and not a Tramway Board, though trams will certainly 1)0 part of its business. It is difficult to see just what is meant by raising this question, and equally difficult, not to fancy that there is something behind it. Ratepayer.

Sir,—l heartily endorse your leader and Hie remark of your correspondent "Transport" in regard to appointments to and by the Transport Board. In my opinion the principle supported, that it was inadvisable that membars of tho Power Board should be members of tho Transport Board, applies further still in tho matter of any official posit ons that may bo filled by the board. Tho officers of the recent No. 1 Licensing Authority were City Council officials, and tho authority's legal advisors were also tho city solicitors. While ono would ra,se nothing against the integrity of those who acted it will certainly be for the best interests of all parties concerned that there cannot be tho slightest comment as to the position of any of the members or officials of the Transport Boaru in regard to their connection with any other authority, who may be interested. There is every prospect of the board solving the transport difficulties of Auckland, and ratepayers jf tho whole area, concerned will, I am sure, put no hindrances in their way, but at the same time there is just as great a possibility of tho Transport Board failing. It is vital therefore that the proper foundations be laid in all matters so that the right end may be accomplished. Fair Play.

Sir, —Replying to Mr. E. M. E. Singlelon's inquiry, "Will Miss Basten show 111 c in the Transport Commission's report to the Government any recommendation that members of the Power Board should not ho eligible to sit on (he Transport Board?" it was evidently not in the mind of (he commission that such provision was necessary as it did not contemplate that a number of the members of the Power Board would bo willing to act in dual capacity. The commission reports: "Combined Power and Transport Board eliminated—There is no evidence that the Auckland Power Board as at present constituted wishes or is willing to take over transport, and we are ot opinion that the transport difficulties of the district would not be likely to be removed by handing them over* to an unwilling authority." The .Act, however, has the usual provision disqualifying persons, who, other than as a member of an incorporated company of more than twenty members is interested in contracts made by the Transport Board, and this provision, if it does not apply legally, certainly applies morally. As* regards "lransport's" reference to councillors who have been appointed to the Transport Board I think, with Mr. Singleton, thev arc in honour bound to stand for election next May. It certainly was in the mind nf the commission, and of the Legislature; and citizens expect it. "Antillumbug" is correct when he states that (he position is the same between the City Council and the Power Board, as will obtain between the Power Board and the Transport Board, but should there be a recurrence of dispute the position would be enormously intensified on account of the vastly increased territory tho board will eventually serve, therefore I regard this as an opportune time, to object. I do not understand "Anti-Humbug's" reference to the Transport Board as the council s largest customer in roads. Alice Basxes\