CITIZENS PROTEST

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12456, 26 May 1926, Page 8

CITIZENS PROTEST

MOTOR-’BUS REGULATIONS “LEGISLATION BY REGULATION” PRIME MINISTER TO BE APPROACHED Strong disapproval in regard to the new regulations was expressed by a representative gathering of delegates of various associations affiliated to the Civic league and of other pub l ic bodies, at a meeting of protest held last evening. Motions of protest were carried unanimously, and it was resolved that the Prime Minister (the Hon. J. G. Coates) be requested to receive a deputation of citizens for the purpose of placing before him the objections, and making appeal for their amendment. The chairman (Mr J. H. Whitaker) stated that the Civic League had come to the conclusion that these regulations were not in the interests of the general public, as they were unsatisfactory to the view of the motor-omnibus proprietors. Mr H. Filmer, president of the Wellington Automobile Club, with a membership of over 1600, said that body was strongly opposed to the new regulations. There were several objections, but the main one was that of the interference with business. ’Buses were required upon the roads, but they must

be properly regulated. Mr Filmer moved, “That this meeting of citizens, representing eighteen organisations within the city, fully endorses the memorandum of protest as published by the Wellington Civic League executive in the Press on the motor-omnibus regulations.** This was seconded by Mr H. J. Stott, and carried unanimously. “The Prime Minister has said that th,3 dominant purpose is to safeguard the public,*’ said Mr W. A. Foden (Karori Association). “But as far as the regulations are concerned they affect two parties—the *bus-using public and the rest?* There appeared no reason, said Mr Foden, why the non-*bus-using public should be considered before the users of the ’buses. During their short time in Wellington the ’buses _had already done a great deal of good'for the community. “I think we will all agree that there is no question as regards the comfort of travelling in ’buses in comparison to crowded tramcars. The tramways ar3 fast becoming obsolete, but this does not mean that we advocate the scrapping of the tramway system.” Ho moved: “That this meeting protests against the manner in which the motor- 7 bus regulations have been formed on the general ground that the public (users of trams and ’buses) were deprived of the right to have the principles involved discussed, prior to their being gazetted.’* Seconded by Mr Jones (Melrose), the motion was carried unanimously. “The tramway system does not cater for the interests of the business man,” said Mr Jones (Melrose Association). “One can get into a ’bus and arrive at one’s destination almost before the trams have started. (Laughter.) The time appears not far distant when the tramway Bystem will be scrapped "7n favour of the ’buses.” It was also agreed that the Civic League be empowered to associate with other organisations with a view to bringing the matter before the proper authorities. •M r Lb McLaren: We desire to protest against legislation by regulation rather than by Parliamentary action.” (Hear, hear.) The motion was carried unanimously. It was agreed that a deputation should wait upon the Prime Minister, the arrangements to be made by the' Civic League.