TRIPS BY ROAD

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21157, 5 July 1940, Page 6

TRIPS BY ROAD

HAMILTON—AUCKLAND CANCELLATION NEXT WEEK GOOD SERVICE IMMEDIATELY Telegram —special to Times) AUCKLAND, Friday The No. 1 Transport Licensing Authority, Mr E. J. Phelan, said today that the Auckland—Hamilton road goods service had been cancelled and would cease immediately. The passenger service would probably be cancelled next week. Regarding the cessation of the services between Auckland and Rotorua, Mr Phelan said a report would be prepared on the subject by the Railway Department, which would advise when it would be possible to give effect to the proposal. There was a feeling in Gisborne, Mr Phelan added, that the interests of that district would be affected by having to connect with the Rotorua expre>». That was a matter for the Railway Department, and he was confident the rail services could be satisfactorily adjusted. Sittings of the authority will be held at Thames on Monday, Te Arona and Hamilton on Tuesday, and Tl Kuiti cn Wednesday. TRANSPORT PROBLEM USE OF COAL GAS SUGGESTED The announcement by the No. 1 Licensing Authority, Mr E. J. Phelan, that the goods transport service between Hamilton and Auckland has been cancelled, and the passenger service will probably be cancelled next week, will bring a change to all service car operators. The cessation of the services, it is stated, is due to the petrol rationing. Passenger services which the decision will affect includes four daily return services to Auckland, and two daily return services to Rotorua. The latter services link up with Gisborne and Napier buses. There are few goods transport services operating, between Hamilton and Auckland at present, except those owned by private concerns. It is stated by persons closely associated with the service companies that the department could overcome the petrol rationing by the installation of producer gas, as the type of road lends itself to buses operating on coal-gas. In that event the petrol consumption would be practically nil. Petitions have been sent out to various bus companies in the province, and these are being readily signed.