CARRYING TRADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22404, 28 April 1936, Page 14

CARRYING TRADE

FEDERATION MEETS THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE MANY REMITS DEALT WITH [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON, Monday " The finances of the federation havo been well maintained on the present basis of payments by local associations, and a substantial credit is shown in the stated the president, Mr. A. J. Curtis, at the annual conference of the New Zealand Master Carriers' and Customhouse Agents' Federation, which opened in Hamilton to-day. There was an attendance of 30 delegates, representing carriers' associations in all parts of New Zealand. Two remits from Waipa and Wellington urged that all roads should, as far as possible, bo reclassified 011 a uniform basis. Examples were quoted where roads of exactly the same type of construction bore as many as three classifications. It was suggested that carriers should be permitted to carry a minimum of eight tons over all roads. Mr. A. Rowan said that special permits could be obtained for carrying loads in excess of the classification, which showed that the local bodies were only concerned about revenue. Request to Government It was decided to ask the Government to reclassify all roads, and that the carriers be given an opportunity of being heard before any decision is made. The Wellington delegates supported a remit urging the Government to abolish the taxation imposed through heavy traffic fees. It was pointed out that many carriers had heavy machines not fully employed and yet the heavy traffic fees were imposed whether the lorries were used or not. It was decided to ask the Government to abolish the fees. The conference passed remits recommending that strong representations be made to the Government pointing out the difficulties that tfould arise from the institution of a 40-hour week. The Government was urged to abolish exempted areas, and it was decided that all carriers be required to take out licences. The executive was asked to consider the limitation of the number of vehicles and the fixation of cartage rates. Transport Licences Strong support was given a Waipa remit urging that the annual application for transport licences be abolished. Speakers contended that a great and unnecessary waste of time and expense occurred annually in applying for the renewal of licences. Objection to cream carriers being granted back-loading licences was expressed in another remit which was adopted. Strong exception to the practice of the Railways Department of amending prices after tenders had been opened was voiced. The executive was asked to consider the action of the Government in competing with private carriers in furniture removals, Customs and forwarding work. The conference decided to ask the Government to apply the basic wage to workers engaged in the transport activities of the various Government departments in order that these departments should not have an unfair advantage over private carriers.