TRANSPORT LICENSES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22053, 8 September 1933, Page 5

TRANSPORT LICENSES

REHEARING OF APPEALS (Per United Pbess Association.) WELLINGTON, September 7. Provision is made in a notice appearing in to-night's Gazette for the rehearing of appeals under the Transport Licensing Act, 1931, on the following grounds:— (a) That the board has decided any point of law erroneously. (b) That a verdict has been obtained by any unfair or improper practice of any person or party concerned in such appeal to the prejudice of any other person. • (c) That material evidence has been discovered or'become available since the hearing of the appeal which could not have been foreseen, known, or made available before or at the hearing. (d) That any witness has been guilty of misconduct likely to affect the result of the appeal. (e) That having regard to the whole of the circumstances as disclosed upon such application it is equitable and proper that determination should be reconsidered in whole or in part. PROVISION FOR REHEARINGS COMMENT BY MR COATES. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, September 7. Commenting on the regulations gazetted providing-machinery for the rehearing of appeals by the Transport Appeal Board the Acting Prime Minister (Mr J. G. Coates) explained that the regulation was decided upon as the outcome of representations made by local bodies and others throughout the North Island that some of the recent decisions of the Transport Appeal Board had had exceedingly far-reaching effects' and would result in many concerns being forced off the roads. These firms claimed that they were not in a position to bring complete evidence at sittings to prove hardship to themselves and the travelling public, and from representations that had been made by residents in the areas concerned there was ground to snpport the request for further opportunities of reviewing the whole of the circumstances. "The Government has given the matter very careful consideration," said Mr Coates, " and whilst it has no desire *0 prolong unduly proceedings under the Act with the consequential additional expense to all the parties concerned, it feels that with an Act of this kind, where precedents are singularly lacking, if there is the impression abroad that justice is not being done it is preferable to provide reasonable opportunities for every aspect. to be thoroughly weighed. The statute provides that the decisions of the Transport Appeal Board shall be final, and the Government considers it is legitimately exercising its functions and powers in providing for rchearings Under the conditions laid down."