STATE PURCHASE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23044, 23 May 1938, Page 12

STATE PURCHASE

TRANSPORT SERVICE NEW PLYMOUTH TO HAWERA IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED INOTHER FIRM APPROACHED [by telegbaph—-OWN correspondent] NEW PLYMOUTH. Saturday Negotiations extending over some .weeks have been completed for the purchase by the 11 ail way Department of the ;Ne\\> Plymouth Express Company's carrying service between Hawera and New Plymouth. The prict has not' been disclosed, but it is said to be considered satisfactory by both parties. ■ Arrangements for the sale were conducted hy Mr. H. Valentine, assistant general manager of the department. The route.transferred to the Railway Department by the New Plymouth Express Company is that which the firm conducted in co-operation with Hardv's .freight.service, the Wellington Hawera service of which is also being acquired by the department. Both services will ,'be takgn over on May 28. The Express Company will retain its -New Plymouth Customs clearing and other agency business.

Amicable Negotiations "I do not think the public has anything to fear regarding the change in ownership of the service," said Mr. G. F. Petheram, managing director of the Express Company, after commenting on the amicable manner in which .negotiations had been carried on be,tween iim and Mr. Valentine. Extensive arrangements were being made to give as good if not a better road service than customers had enjoyed in the past, Mr. Petheram added. The service would be quicker than .formerly, in his opinion, becauso the State-controlled service would be operated direct between Wellington and New Plymouth without tho present .break -at Hawera necessitated through the operation, of the Transport Licensing Act. There would also be quicker 'deliveries at New Plymouth. "Definite J plans are under way to improve the ser.yice," said Mr. Petheram, '/and at tho there is every indication that the Railway Department is conscious of tho needa of the public." Stafl to be Absorbed , It is expected the department will absorb any members of the company s gtaff likely to be affected by tho now arrangement. < After discussing the change with Air. Valentine, Hooker Brothers, Limited, has -agreed to co-operate with the State-owned Hawera-New llymoutu service in the meantime, if necessary. "I found Mr. Valentine very fair m every wav," said Mr. F. Hooker yesterday. "'We had a friendly, discussion •on the question of whether the tirm ;would sell that part of its business between Hawera and New Plymouth, but :it was only an informal talk without -»nv question of a decision." ie ; Hooker Brothers, Limited, has business property at Hawera and a condition of the sale of the Hawera-New Plymouth run, it is stated, would be that thp Hawera property was pur- ; chased by the department.