TRANSPORT PROBLEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20668, 13 September 1930, Page 14

TRANSPORT PROBLEMS.

NEED OF LEGISLATION.

PROMPT ACTION URGED.

•MOTOR INTERESTS CONCERNED

[by TELECII.U'ir.—SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON. Friday.

Although it had been intended not to introduce a Transport Bill this session, the Acting-I'iimo Minister, Hon. E. A. Ransom, promised a deputation to-day that that decision would bo Reconsidered by tho Cabinet. 'J'hc deputation represented (ho motor unions, chambers of commerce, Motor Traders' Association, Master Carriers' Association, motor omnibus proprietors and motor service proprietors.

Mr. A. J?. Knight, representing tho servico proprietors, said lliey wero vitally concerned with tho welfare of tho motor industry and were anxiously awaiting legislation for tho proper regulation of transport. "Wo are satisfied that coordination of all transport is essential to avoid economic waste, reckless competition and undue uso of tho highways, but submit that co-ordination cannot be effected without proper legislation," said Mr. Knight. "Further, tho problem of transport legislation is no party matter, but ono of national importance, which wo urge should bo grappled without delay. We assure you that all thoso concerned in the motor industry and represented hero to-day will support such action.

"Not a Difficult Problem."

"New Zealand is lagging behind in regulating its motor transport. There are few countries which have not tackled the problem—not a difficult one hero in New Zealand, when those who will bo directly affected by legislation aro pressing for it. "Wo do not proposo to discuss details of a Transport Bill, but wo aro much concerned at the prospect of the session ending without one. For some years the Government has indicated its intention to bring clown legislation and in recent weeks the Hon. G. W. Forbes, Frimo Minister, the Hon. W. B. Tavcrner, Minister of Transport, and the Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Railways, have each stated that a Transport Bill would bo placed before the Houso during the present session. Has the Government changed its mind?

"We aro much concerned at the possibility that there may be no Transport Bill this session, which is fast drawing to a close, and wo are dismayed at tho prospect of waiting another year. Wo venture to suggest the Transport Department would not have been set up unless further legislation was anticipated, and this widely-representative deputation comes briefly to urge tho vital necessity for motor transport legislation and desires to know the intentions of the Government with regard to it."

Bill a Contentious Measure,

In reply, Mr. liansom said he could not give them a definite reply immediately, because it would be necessary to place their representations before Cabinet. They had been pledged to pass certain legislation before tho Prime Minister departed for tho Imperial Conference. The Transport Bill was regarded as contentious and they had not intended to bring down contentious legislation in the absence of tho Prime Minister.

Mr. Knight: I do not agreo that it is contentious. The motor industry and the motoring interests were behind last year's bill, which was withdrawn. Mr. Ransom: The bill last year was contentious, but I will take the matter before Cabinet. I intended to place the matter before Cabinet before, but I knew the deputation was coining. However, the present time is a difficult one at which' to bring down the legislation. Mr. Knight: It is not a party matter.

Mr. Hansom: We do not regard it as that, but the Government stands behind a bill it brings down. Mr. Knight considered that tlio Government could confer with the opposition parties and endeavour to agree on the various points. Ho considered tho present time was a good one to go on with the bill.

Mr. Ransom: It is not as simple as you have indicated The bill is very farreaching. Position of Railways.

Mr. Knight: They had bills in England and [South Africa and they were not regarded in those countries as contentious, but they considered them on national lines. Tho Government for some years has promised legislation and wo arc worried now becauso there has been no indication of legislation this session. Mr. Hansom: It pushes its way into our railway system and our highways system.

Mr. Knight: According to tho Railways Statement the railways arc as much in favour of tho legislation as the private interests.

Mr. Ransom: I will undertake to bring the matter before Cabinet. Mr. A. J. Curtis: The Government has been big enough to establish a Transport Department and I think it ought to be big enough to bring down a Transport Hill. 1 think you should give the depu tation some definite promise that a bill will be brought down. The parties ought to i)e able to agree on the various points. Mr. Ransom: It is obvious that you have never been in Parliament.

Mr. H. J. Stott, secretary of tho Wellington Automobile Association, said that two conferences, each lasting four days, had been held to discuss transport matters. A number of business men had given up their timo to tho consideration of the various matters and they thought tho time had arrived when they should usk that a bill bo introduced.

Mr. Tiansom: 1 liavo nothing further to add.