TRANSPORT CONTROL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25214, 1 May 1943, Page 2

TRANSPORT CONTROL

PROTEST BY FARMERS DANGER OF SOCIALISATION (Special) OAMARU, Apl. 30. In an address to the North Otaen farmers’ Union this afternoon, Mr W. Malcolm stressed the danger of th? transport industry becoming socialised, and stated that, in his opinion, the attitude of the executive of the Transport. Alliance was beyond all comprehension. Privately, its members admitted that the transport industry was rapidly being socialised. * Mr Malcolm reported on the proceeding* at the last meeting of the No. 4 Licensing Authority, Mr V. Raines. :n OJlmaru, stating that it appeared that all licences granted would be subject to review by the local Transport Committee, on which the ancillary users were to have one representative. When that announcement was made by the Licensing Authority he (Mr Malcolm) pointed out that farmers could hardly hope for impartial decisions from a committee composed mainly of transport operators, to which Mr Raines replied that if ancillary users felt they had just cause for complaint they snould make urgent representations to the Government through the Farmers’ Union. Mr Malcolm stated that he also pointed out that as a result of the defining of routes to be used bv ancillary users farmers would be unduly penalised in attending clearing sales of itock and farm equipment, as permits would have to be secured from the Transport Control Committee. Mr Neaye, on behalf of the North Otago Transport Alliance, advocated that all heavy loading should be co-ordinated, and that no new licences should be granted to men who had not previously owned trucks This organisation, by its numerical would be in a position to over-ride the opinion of the ancillary users’ represensaid he had emphasised that he did not wish to infer that the operators' representatives would misuse these powers, but he claimed that the fundamental principles of British justice had been ignored by those responsible for framing the new regulations. To-day the majority of the transport operatives enjoyed independence in the conduct of their businesses, but unless they realised the implications of the present position, they would find no scope for their business ability in the future. ' Mr J. Rutherford stated that he was afraid the scheme might be a means of gaining control of transport, and part of a policy of socialisation of many other things as well as transport. It could result in the whole of the transport system being taken over by the State. Mr J. S. Adams (president), who was In the chair, said he did not think there was cause for alarm. It was necessary for the Government to tighten transport control owing to the shortage of petrol and tyres.

Mr J. Kingan said the farmer owning a truck was already controlled by petrol restrictions, and the move for further control made them wonder what was behind it.

After further discussion, the following resolution was carried: "That this meeting of the North Otago Farmers’ Union views with dismay the absolute injustice of the regulations that permit ancillary users hopelessly inadequate representation on the local Transport Control Committee, and urges the Dominion Executive of the Farmers’ Union to make immediate representations for a more equitable distribution of voting strength on control committees, in order to safeguard the interests of the farming community.” , Mr J. Kingan was appointed the ancillary wet eta eta

users’ representative on the Transport , Control Committee, and Mr A. McMillan was appointed the Farmers’ Union’s tentative on the committee, to deal with' matters relating to stock.