TRANSPORT OF PRODUCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21742, 6 March 1934, Page 5

TRANSPORT OF PRODUCE

COMPLAINT BY FARMERS CHEAPER SERVICES WANTED [bt telecraph—•own correspondent] WANGANUI, Monday A complaint that farmers were being forced to pay a great deal more for the transport of produce since the Goods Services Act had been in operation, was made by local body representatives to-day at a conference attended by Mr. J. S. Hunter, commissioner of transport. "We are much concerned with transport matters at present," said Mr. L. T. Jones, representing the Waitotura County Council. "We feel we have not sufficient comj>otition to allow us to get our produce and'mails carried economically." He cited the case of a carrier who refused to' cart a certain. settler's cream, and mentioned the question of wool freights. A metal lorry passed his. door, said Mr. Jones, but it was not allowed to carry his wool to the city. If competition existed, wool could be carried for 3s a bale, instead of 7s, as at present. Mr. Hunter said no definite policy had been laid down, as the Transport Board wanted to examine the whole system impartially. He made it clear that it was not the intention of the board to curtail farmers' services.

Mr. Jones: We feel apprehensive about that.

Mr. Hunter said all the leading countries had the same experience as New Zealand and all , had adopted transport regulation. If it had not been a step in the right direction It would not have received the support it did. Mr. Jones: It is a case of railways versus the roads. Mr. Hunter disagreed. He said there were two members out of three on the board who were primary producers. Ho assured his hearers they would see that the farmers received fair treatment. Whore any discriminations existed or high charges were made these could be adjusted.