ONE IN NINE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 671, 24 May 1929, Page 6

ONE IN NINE

FARMERS’ TRANSPORT REPRESENTATIVE FRAMING A PROTEST The Auckland Provincial Farmers’ Conference ■is to frame a protest against the personnel of the Transport Advisory Board, pointing out the meagre representation of the rural community. /iNE of the remits dealing with the question pointed out that the rural representative was only one iu nine. Opotiki asked that the conference should protest against the personnel of the Minister of Transport’s Advisory Board as set forth, it being a menace to tlie country and Railway Institution, there not being a fair representation of the farming community. Better representation should be asked. Speaking on the remit, Mr. J. Bradshaw, Opotiki, said that the sooner the remit was put through, the better it would be for the farming community. ' Three other remits on similar lines were taken with the first suggestion. They were: , Marohemo Branch: “That this conference opposes the composition of the Motor Transport Advisory Council.” Newstead Branch: "That this meeting coiisiders that the farmers are not likely To get a fair deal with the present constitution of the Motor Transport Advisory Council, and urges the executive to fight for full and adequate representation of farming interests on all roading councils and boards.” Bay of Islands Sub-province: “That this conference views with alarm, and str'ongly objects to, the over-represen-tation of the motor Interests on the newly-formed Advisory Board to the Ministry of Transport, there being but one country representative on a board of nine members.” “RIDICULOUSLY SMALL” “We have a ridiculously small representation for the rural community,” said Mr. R. H. Feisst. “The Minister of Transport has picked his own Advisory Board,” Mr. Bradshaw remarked. “There has been nothing more glaringly iniquitous than this,” said Mr. W. Boyd. “There is one county councillor —-he might be anyone. Farmers should move heaven and earth to have this question put right. We must have our proper representation.” Mr. E. Babe thought the retail motor trade had no right to a representative on the board. “This is one of the dirtiest little tricks that has ever been played upon us,” he added. Mr. A. E, Robinson said Mr. W. Morrison, chairman of the Waitotara County Council, was on the board and was a strong member of the Farmers’ Union. Mr. R. D. Duxfield said that he was not actually satisfied with the board. BAD SELECTION? Mr. Bruce said neither the trade unions nor the motor trade had the right to representation oh the board. Mr. H. O. Mellsop said the trade unions were represented; why should not the Farmers’ Union have direct representation? (Hear, hear.) Mr. Bradshaw: There is no provision for the railways. The four remits were carried and referred to the executive for grouping.