COST OF TRANSPORT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20981, 18 September 1931, Page 11

COST OF TRANSPORT.

SERVICES ON NORTH SHORE. MOVEMENT FOR REDUCTION. STATUS OF COUNCIL ADVOCATES. A suggestion by the Takaptina Borough Council that the fares on the services operated bv the North Shore Transport Company, Ltd., should be reduced was considered at a meeting of the No. 2 Licensing Authority yesterday afternoon. Hardship said to exist in regard to working people residing in the outer North Shore suburbs was nn argument advanced in favour of a reduction. Before the position was discussed by the members, Mr. V. R. Meredith, who, with Mr. L. Alderton, appeared for the company, explained to the meeting the legal position regarding any consideration by tho Takapuna representatives on the authority, Mr. J. Guiniven and Mr. D. L. Clifton. Mr. Meredith quoted reports of opinions expressed on the question by Mr. Guiniven as Mayor of Takapuna and said that Mr. Guiniven, having stated publicly his views that tho fares should bo reduced, could scarcely act in a judicial capacity at tho meeting when lie actually was an advocate of tho Takapuna Council. Legal judgments said that such a position could not obtain and Mr. Meredith quoted the finding of Jill'. Justice Stringer regarding a similar situation. "Advocates as Judges." "It is impossible to suggest that the Mayor of Takapuna has not prejudged tho subject," Mr. Meredith proceeded. '"lt is quite clear that Mr. Clifton and he have been sent hero not as judges, but by resolution of the councilj as advocates. It is too grotesque to imagine that these two representatives can listen, as judges, to themselves as advocates and then decide as judges. That is what the position amounts to." Mr. Meredith suggested that the proper course for the Takapuna members would be to retire from tho meeting. In reply, Mr. Guiniven said Mr. Clifton and he were representatives at tho meeting by statutory authority. If they were to retire, Takapuna would not be represented at the meeting and, were Mr. Meredith's contentions as to their standing accepted, it would bo apparent that, the legislation governing the licensing authority could bo called farcical.

Mr. C. J. W. Taylor said the members would 1)0 acting as a tribunal and it would have been preferable for tbe Takapuna Council to 'have appointed two otlier representatives to advance the case. Mr. Meredith again emphasised that a person legally must have an open mind before adjudicating on a question. "If Mr. Guiniven and Mr. Clifton sit," lie added, "proceedings will probably be taken." Ruling of the Chairman. The chairman, Mr. G. O'Halloran, ruled that the Takapuna representatives were entitled to sit at the meeting. All the members of the authority represented local bodies and naturally they received instructions from their councils. He would note Mr. Meredith's objection. Opening the Takapuna Council's case, Mr. Guiniven pointed out that the decision in regard to a 'reduction in fares had been unanimous. Some months ago, he said, the company had been granted permission to increase the charges, provided that the rates were adjusted consequent upon lower wages and the cost of materials. "These prices have been lowered," said Mr. Guiniven, "but there has been no talk of bringing down transport costs. The position particularly concerns working people. The population of Milford is rapidly disappearing, while that at Belmont and Hauraki Road, nearer the ferries, apparently is being maintained. It has been argued at the council that lower charges actually would tend to increase the population, and, in consequence, the transport business." Mr. O'Halloran remarked that the feeling of the residents at Castor Bay was that they should benefit in regard to fares as a result of the 10 per cent, reduction in wages and Mr. Taylor thought the feeling was general on the North Shore. The meeting decided unanimously to remind the company of its assurance (hat fares would bo reduced. Mr. Guiniven and Mr. Clifton did not vote.