RIVAL TRANSPORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25178, 16 April 1945, Page 6

RIVAL TRANSPORT

PROTECTING SKIPPING LEGISLATION SUGGECTED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Saturday Statutory provision in the form of a coastwise shipping protection Act on the lines of English legislation, which had been specially designed to meet similar difficulties, was suggested by Mr H. M. Rogerson, on behalf of coastal shipping interests generally, as an integral part of national transport policy, when addressing the Rail and Shipping Committee yesterday. Snipping Companies, lie said, realised the importance of rationalisation, and, as soon as the industry was freed of control under the Emergency Regulations, were prepared to maintain the rationalisation of coastal shipping services to ensure maximum efficiency. The position of some sections of coastal shipping was almost desperate and some remedy Was urgently required, said Mr Rogerson. Meanwhile, tremendous and increasing losses were facing the Railway Department. Tested by 12 years of practical application, the Imperial Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, with amendments to suit New Zealand conditions, be enacted in this ('oi in try. He said there should be constituted, under such legislative authority, a tribunal of three members to investigate, review and decide freight rates. One member should be appointed by the Minister of Railways, one by the coastal shipping interests, and the third (who should have legal experience and be chairman of the tribunal) should be appointed by the Minister of Marine, after consulting with the Minister of Railways.

Mr I. Thomas, one behalf of the Railway Department, said that without the operation of special rates its position would not have been as good as it was. Great play had been made Concerning its financial position, but what private enterprise was saddled with such heavy liabilities for interest payments? Railway losses were chiefly due to the fact that there was not enough traffic. Special rates were economic in the sense that they increased the net railway revenue. Their abolition meant that the cost of transport would go up, and the user, who was the taxpayer, would pay more. The committee will next week start reviewing the evidence and the compilation of its report to the Minister. THE LATE MR F. EARL FUNERAL HELD AT PUREWA The funeral of the late Mr Frederick Earl, K.C., 0.8. E., a prominent member of tlie legal profession for over 50 years and a keen supporter of cricket and racing, was held at Purewa cemetery on Saturday morning, when representatives of the many organisations with which he had been connected were in attendance. A service was conducted at Mr Earl's home, 5 Vincent Avenue, Remuera, by the Rev. I?. L. Connolly, who also officiated at the graveside. The pallbearers were Messrs J. Stanton, representing the Auckland Club; W. S. Spence, the Auckland Racing Club; C. L. Cherney. the Auckland Rugby Union; N. C. Snedden, the Auckland Cricket Association; and F. G. Massey and C. J. Palmer, the legal firm which Mr Earl founded. The president, Mr A. Milliken. and members of the council of the Auckland Law Society also attended, together with representatives of the Avondale Jockey Club, the Eden Park Control Board and the Remuera sub-centre of the Red Cross Society. Business and- other organisations in which Mr Earl had been interested were also represented.

HAMILTON ROTARY CLUB (0.C.) HAMILTON, Sunday

The Hamilton Rotary Club's 21st birthday celebrations were continued during the week-end. There was an attendance of 160 members and guests at a social gathering last evening. Among the visitors were Mr Harold Thomas, district governor of Rotary, Mr W. Oalder Mackav, president of the Auckland club, and Mr H. D. Caro, Mayor of Hamilton. The president, of the Hamilton club, Mr A.M. Rosie, was presented with three keys from the Gisborne, Whangarei and Hamilton clubs. Members attended a service at St. Paul's Methodist Church today, the preacher being the Rev. C. H. Olds.