H—4o

Although the body-building industry'has been fully engaged during the last twelve months, the number of vehicles constructed has not been sufficient to meet the demand. It is estimated that some 400 omnibuses are required to relieve the present Overload problems and to replace old vehicles which are rapidly approaching the end of their economic life. If the needs of the travelling public are to be met, ways and means must therefore be found to increase the rate at which new passenger-vehicles are being placed in service. 36. Size of Passenger-service Vehicles. —-The following table gives the present seating-capacities of various passenger-service vehicles: —

37. There is a trend towards larger vehicles for passenger-service purposes, and the carrying-capacity of the Dominion fleet of vehicles is expanding yearly, due to an increase both in the number of vehicles in operation and also in the size of new vehicles which replace old ones. 38. Vehicles used for Taxi and Rental Purposes.—Vehicles used for taxi purposes are stock model motor-cars, being chiefly those of the heavy type. Of the 1,139 taxis inspected by the Department, only 15 are under 14-5 h.p. In regard to rental vehicles, however, the heavy class of car comprises only 18 per cent, of all cars-used. The following sets out the number of cars in the light, medium, and heavy groups : Light (under 9-5 h.p.) .. .. .. .. 334 cars. Medium (9*5 to 14-5 h.p.) .. .. .. .. 133 cars. - Heavy (over 14-5 h.p.) .. .. .. .. 104 cars. 39. Passenger-service Vehicles : Ownership.—Passenger-service vehicles may be divided into three groups according to ownership as follows :

11

Omnibuses. Service Coaches. Service Cars. School Buses. "Mr "L A « i Number. Per Cent. Number. Per Cent. Number. Per Cent. Number. Per Cent. XJp to 15 3 0-3 27 13-1 346 87-0 32 6-1 16 to 20 .. 73 7-6 102 49-9 49 12-5 47 9-2 21 to 25 .. 285 29-8 71 34-5 2 0-5 31 6-2 26 to 30 .. 138 14-3 4 2-0 71 13-9 31 to 35 .. 399 41-4 1 0-5 81 15-9 36 to 40 .. 64 6-6 66 12-9 41 to 45 .. 60 11-8 46 to 50 .. 108 21-2 51 to 55 .. 6 1-2 56 to 60 .. 8 1-6 Totals 962 100-0 205 100-0 397 100-0 510 100-0

Ownership. Omnibuses. Service Coaches. Service Cars. Number. Per Cent. Number. Per Cent. Number. Per Cent. Privately owned Local body Government owned 610 .166 186 63-4 17-3 19-3 105 ioo 51-2 48-8 279 118 70-3 29-7 Totals 962 100-0 205 100-0 397^ !00-0