FAT LAMB CARTAGE

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 54, Issue 3895, 28 April 1937, Page 7

FAT LAMB CARTAGE

IN TE AWAMUTU DISTRICT. CO-OPERATION WITH RAILWAYS. Before the Transport Licensing Authority sitting at Te Awamutu yesterday was concluded Mr S. S. Preston, counsel for several applicants for renewal of goods service licenses, told the Authority that during the luncheon adjournment representatives of the Railway Department and the Waipa Master Carriers’ Association and himself had conferred, and it was agreed that operators over the Kawhia, Raglan and Waipa Counties, and the Te Rau-a-moa and Wharepapa ridings of Otorohanga County should be permitted to carry fat lambs to Horotiu freezing works from within those areas only. That, he thought, would be a satisfactory arrangement for all concerned, and would answer the objection lodged by the Railway Department. Mr Phelan, said that so far as he could see the operators already had that authority, for they could operate over a thirty mile radius.

The secretary to the Authority at this stage read the empowering legislation, and Mr- Phelan added that there was thus no need to depart from that permission. He added: "I overlule the Railway Department's objection. I can see no need to overload the license with conditions that must become cumbersome in operation. Therefore it is evident that fat lambs can be conveyed from all parts of the area to the freezing works.” He suggested also to opera tors that wherever it was practicable they should “feed" the railways rather than, as seemed to be the attitude ot some operators, attempt to "pirate” from the Department. Operators should help the railways just as they would help fellow members of the Carriers' Association. Legislation had been very considerably amended, and it was his endeavour to give effect to it in the changing circumstances. Mr Phelan added that that statement should clear the air, and dispose of all objections as to fat lamb transport.

An operator mentioned tliat it may be necessary to carry lambs to the railways on Sundays if supplies were to reach the works to enable the butchers to operate on Mondays. He thought that should be avoided, for the butchers do not work on Saturdays or Sundays. The killing of lambs could only be done on Mondays if the carriers get them to the works first thing in the morning. Mr Phelan agreed that it was desirable to get lambs to the works economically and promptly, but he still urged that there should be friendly cooperation with the Railway Department.