CARRIAGE OF STOCK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26540, 15 August 1947, Page 8

CARRIAGE OF STOCK

DELAY AT FREEZING WORKS INSUFFICIENT VEHICLES ALLEGED Allegations that delays in the despatching of meat for Britain and in the general activities of the freezing works at Burnside were caused by a lack of sufficient vehicles to carry stock to the slaughter-house were made at a sitting of the. No. 4 Transport Licensing Authority, Mr S. V. Raines, at Dunedin yesterday. Counsel for two applicants for vehicle authorities, Mr E. J. Anderson, said that a stable transport arrangement was essential. “ I ask that this intolerable position be remedied by granting licence? to two capable men who are ready and willing to do this important 30b, he S3 There was a formidable number of objections to the applications, which were lodged by W. R. Blair and MBrensell. Three -counsel—Messrs C; J. L. White, C. H. Stevens, and W. J. Meade—appeared on behalf of private operators who were opposed to the granting of further licences and Mr C. J. McDonald appeared on behalf of the Railways Department. Licences to Carry Stock Both applicants stated that it was not their intention to deprive other carriers of business, but the stocKcarting conditions in the Taieri area had prompted the refrigerating company and other firms, as well as private individuals, to ask them to try to expand their operations. They had been working extremely long hours in an attempt to Provide service, but it was impossible unless they had adaitional vehicle authorities. They would be satisfied with licences to carry stock in support of the need for additional licences was given by John Dyer, of the stock department at Burnside and John Moffatt Murray, and Denis Russell, stock buyers. The two applicants, it was stated, had handled not less than 30,000 head of stock du - ing last season and had always been reliable. The Taieri representative of Wright, Stephenson, Ltd., Ronald Alexander Orange, forwarded an affidavit in support of the applications and let ters were read from representatives of the National Mortgage and Agency Company, Ltd Donald Reid, Ltd the Otago Farmers, Ltd., and Jb e R°un and Mercantile Company, Ltd., all supporting the applications. Evidence to be Heard Messrs Stevens and Whyte said that their clients were concerned at tne prospect of the goods carrying part of the business becoming out of bal ance if additional licences were granted. Their attitude was that each man should have only one hcence foi general goods. Counsel also submitted that the case should be adjourned in order to call the witnesses who had written letters to the authority. 11 this were not done they would be de-_ prived of the right to cross-examine. The authority then adjourned the hearing sine die.