USE OF MOTORS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20278, 12 April 1934, Page 4

USE OF MOTORS.

Affairs of Native Lands Department. SEARCHING QUESTIONS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON. April 12. Searching questions concerning the purchase and use of motor vehicles were asked at yesterday afternoon’s sitting of the Royal Commission which is inquiring into the administration of the Native Lands Department. When the Under-Secretary of the Department (Mr P. G. Pearce) was giving evidence on the transport section of the Department, the chairman of the Commission, Mr Justice Smith, interposed with the question: “ What organisation is in existence for regulating the purchase of motor vehicles?” Witness: The approval of the Minister must be obtained. His Honor: Who was the originator of the idea that a vehicle must be purchased for a particular district? Witness: The Native Minister in all cases. His Honor: Without a report? Details of Procedure. Witness: He was in such close contact with the requirements of the districts that he himself was able to judge. His Honor: The Native Minister initiates the purchase of a motor vehicle What does he do? Instruct someone to buy it? Witness: He instructs the Undersecretary of the Native Department to make the purchase. On one occasion, it might be one make of vehicle, and some other time a different make would be purchased. His Honor: Who would supply the. information regarding the nature of the vehicle required? Witness: The Native Affairs Department. His Honor: After the Minister initiates the purchase, would they get a report from the Field Officer? Witness: I don’t think so. I think it can be generally taken that they would not. Big Garage Proposed. His Honor: And who paid for it? Witness: A vehicle would be paid for out of the Native Land Settlement Account. A number of these trucks are charged against the schemes. His Honor: And what would happen to the vehicle? Would it be shipped or railed to somebody ? Witness: It would be sent to the district and placed under the control of the Registrar of that district. Mr D. G. Johnston (a member of the Commission) : You stated in evidence that you were contemplating the erection of a garage for twelve vehicles at Rotorua. Surely you have 410 need for twelve there? Witness: Some of them are runabouts used for collecting cream from the settlement schemes. We have more than we need at the moment. The method will be altered to the use of horses and drays in future. Mr Johnston: I cannot quite follow why you are building a garage at Rotorua at all. Witness: The decision will rest with me. The money has yet to be authorised. I might say that nothing has been finalised. Mr Johnston: It seemed to be fairly definite from previous evidence given by you. The Commission then adjourned.