MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20643, 15 February 1929, Page 10

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT.

APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER. SURPRISE FOR' MOTORISTS. (Special to Daily Times.) AUCKLAND, February 14. The announcement that preliminary steps have already been taken for the appointment of a commissioner under the new Ministry of Transport portfo'io, which was recently allotted to Air W. A. Veitch, was received with surprise by a number of members of the North Island Alotor Union at an executive meeting in Auckland to-day. Several delegates expressed the opinion that the organisation of the new department appeared to be developing rapidly with the influence of the motor trade and heavy traffic users prominent. It was stated that unless the operators of private cars—the largest contributors to the taxation —acted promptly the voice of the commercial vehicle owners would predominate. The president (Air A. J, Toogood, of Wellington) referred to the expected conference representing all motor using interests which was to be held before .he Alinistry of Transport commenced .to function. Mr Toogood said the Ali.dstry would be concerned with taxation md motor legislation.

Air A. J. Curtis, of Wellington (vicepresident of the Master Carriers’ Federation) said the conference referred to would not be held. He drew the attention of members to letters bearing on the matter which had been forwarded to the union, and said the next step wdUd be the appointment of a commissioner. Two names had been mentioned for the office, but one had withdrawn. The appointment would not be made by Cabir.et, and the commissioner would not be controlled by any Government department, although he'might have the assistance of an advisory board. If this were constituted, motorists should be assured of representation in ratio to their interest. “ It will not be a political board,” aided Air Curtis; “it will be a commercial board in an advisory capacity, and the Alotor Union will have the opportunity to send representatives.” Air F. Alanton. of Wellington, described the announcement as a bombshell, and said it should be closely scrutinised to ensure that it was not a trade effort to abolish heavy traffic fees, and unload the taxation on to the private cars. Air Curtis said the man, mentioned could be relied on to be fully conversant with all interests.

It was decided to make representations to the Prime Minister, -urging that motorists should be given an opportunity to place their views before , the Minister of Transport concerning the appointment of both a commissioner and any advisory board. It was also decided to hold an early conference with the South Island Motor Union to discuss the matter.