TRANSPORT COMMISSION'S COSTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 230, 28 September 1928, Page 6

TRANSPORT COMMISSION'S COSTS.

Is the Transport Board Bill going to be wrecked on the question of liability for the costs of the Commission? If so, it will be a scandal, and that there is a real danger of this happening is suggested by the discussion at the City Council last evening. Should it happen the responsibility will rest on the Council. For while the Council proposes to transfer its own Commission costs to the Transport Board, that is, to all the wider area under the Board, it actually refuses to consent to the Board paying those of the suburban bodies. That is to say, Mount Eden, for example, is expected to pay its full share of the suburban bodies' costs, and part of the city's costs as well, whereas the only fair method would be to pool all the costs and spread them over the whole area. The amount of money involved is relatively small, but tM principle at stake is important. The unfairness of the attitude of the Council majority is gross and palpable. Mr. Allum made a gallant attempt to restore justice by moving to the effect that the Council would agree to "reasonable expenses" of the local bodies being paid from the new Board's funds, but a mean and pett\ spirit prevailed, and he was out-voted. As matters stand, the outside bodies may move for the insertion of a clause expressing their wish about costs, and the Council may maintain its opposition, and so kill the Bill. If this happens, no one will believe that the Council has been really sincere in accepting the principle of wider control.