FOR PROTECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24421, 5 October 1940, Page 14

FOR PROTECTION

ANCILLARY CARRIERS OTAGO COMMITTEE FORMED GUARDING AGAINST INTERFERENCE The question of the formation of an Otago Ancillary Transport Association along the lines of the recertly-formed Ancillary Transport Association (Auckland), with the main aim of combating Government encroachment into the field of the distribution of merchandise was discussed thoroughly at a meeting held in the Chamber of Commerce rooms yesterday afternoon It was convened by the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, as the president of the chamber (Mr C M. Bruce) explained, in consequence o x the receipt through the Associated Chambers of Commerce of information concerning the activity among ancillary carriers in Auckland, and to give Dunedin users an opportunity of moving in the matter themselves if they wished to do so. The meeting, which was fairly well attended, was at first open to the press, but it was soon decided go into committee and to make a statement available to the newspapers. The statement comprised an announcement that "a committee was formed to watch the interests of ancillary carriers. Any user desiring to bring any matter affecting ancillary carriers to the notice of this committee should communicate with the secretary of the Chamber of Commerce." After reading the correspondence which explained the Auckland decision to form an association for the purpose of combating Government interference in the sphere of ancillary carrying and also with the aim of carrying out a survey of the industry and collecting general data, Mr Bruce asked the meeting to appoint a chairman, and Mr H. L. Longbottom took charge of the meeting. It was stated by Mr G. W Ferens. who is convener of the Transport Committee to the Chamber of Commerce, that there were approximately 973 vehicles used fcr ancillary carrying in Dunedin. Obviously there was a definite feeling in Auckland that it was wise to unite for the protection of ancillary interests. This meeting had been convened to find whether the same feeling existed among Dunedin ancillary users. The first point that was emphasised by Mr J. Phillips, representing the Otago Commercial Transport Association, who is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce Transport Committee, was that the members of his association desired co-operation with the ancillary operators. "There has been a rumour," he said, " that the transport Operators are trying to eliminate the ancillary; users so that this latter business will be forced into the hands of the carriers. That is not the case. What the carriers have said is that if rationing of fuel should be necessary, it must be on a fair and equitable basis." In discussing reasons for and against the formation of an Otago Ancillary Transport Association. Mr Phillips sounded the warning that such an association might provide the Government with a means of interference — compulsory membership, licensing, etc. Questioning whether the Government's intentions were not still double-edged —the combination of its war drive with the furthering of its policy of socialisation—he pointed out that only on Thursday' the Minister of' Transport (Mr R. Semple) said the merger of transport concerns was net a war measure, but a policy framed long before the war began. If it were carried out. there would be an additional saving of petrol during the war. "In all ways the road is being paved for what is coming." Mr Phillips said. "We knew that a lot of wastage in transport can be cut out, but it is the question of method." In reply to Mr P. Shacklock. Mr Phillips reiterated that there was no opposition on the part of the master carriers toward the ancillary users. They did not want ancillary carrying eliminated so that the work would go to them., Mr Shacklock was pursuing this theme when the question of going into committee was raised and his was the only voice to oppose a motion to that effect,