H—4o

95. The results of the hearings are set out in the following summary :

96. In all cases where increases were granted by the Tribunal the Minister of Stabilization directed that the increased cost was to be borne by the user. 97. The details of applications dealt with by the Tribunal since its inception are : Country schedules .. .. 39 Town schedules .. .. .. .. 6 General contracts .. .. .. 168 Mail contracts .. .. .. .. 260 98. Cartage Rates Schedules. —In its latest decision the Goods-service Charges Tribunal drew attention to the fact that the awarding of over-all increases on rates schedules would perpetuate and intensify anomalies in the rates schedules, as well as making the calculation of charges difficult and complicated. 99. During the coming year it is intended not only tb redraft the schedules on standard lines and to include the percentage increases in the charges, but also to endeavour to remove some of the existing anomalies. 100. The industry will review each schedule on this basis, discussing the rates with users' representatives where necessary. The redrafted schedules will then be checked and submitted to the Tribunal for its consideration. This should go a long way towards meeting the defects mentioned by the Tribunal. 101. Changes in New Zealand Transport Law during Year. —The following are the principal enactments passed during the period Ist April, 1946, to 31st March, 1947 : Section 8 of Finance Act, 1946 (Serial No. 1946, No. 16) makes provision for the payment of mileage-tax on certain classes of motor-vehicle, replacing the provisions for this purpose contained in section 4 of the Motor-vehicles Amendment Act, 1934-35, the Second Schedule to that Act, and section 42 of the Statutes Amendment Act, 1940.

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Application in respect of — Decision of Tribunal. Date. Terms. North Otago District 2/4/46 Rates increased by per cent., inclusive of general increase of 4 per cent, granted by Tribunal, 28th July, 1945. (Schedule prescribed, 1st January, 1942.) Southland District, No. 2 Area .. 2/4/46 Rates increased by 9 per cent., inclusive of general increase of 4 per cent, granted by Tribunal, 28th July, 1945. (Schedule prescribed 1st January, 1941.) Central Otago (Northern) District 2/4/46 Rates increased by 9 per cent., inclusive of general increase of 4 per cent, granted by Tribunal, 28th July, 1945. (Schedule prescribed 1st January, 1941.) ■Central Otago (Southern) District 2/4/46 Rates increased by 6J per cent., inclusive of general increase of 4 per cent, granted by Tribunal, 28th July, 1945. (Schedule prescribed, 1st August, 1942.) Northern Hawke's Bay Area .. ■25/11/46 Special charges to compensate for decreased pay-loads over certain areas until bridge-weight restrictions return to normal were prescribed and authorized. Auckland City Cartage Rates .. 21/1/47 Special rates were prescribed and authorized for wool no T*T Q rfO North Auckland Rates Schedule 18/3/47 ud>± uctgt;. Application for exemption from rates schedule was declined. General application in respect of 31/3/47 Rates increased by 4 per cent, on area schedules and goods-service charges through3 per cent, on city, borough, and town district out New Zealand schedules consequent on wage increases granted by Court of Arbitration.