PLAIN SPEAKING.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 233, 2 October 1928, Page 7

PLAIN SPEAKING.

AUCKLAND TRANSPORT.

THREAT TO STONEWALL BILL.

FOUR CITY M.P.'S RESOLVED.

INTERVIEW WITH MAYOR.

'By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.! . WELLINGTON, this day. As announced in the "Star" yesterday, Auckland members are opposed to the ; provisions of the proposed Auckland Transport Bill, aad when the Mayor of Auckland (Mr. Geo. Baildon) and City , Council representatives met Mr. J. S. Dickson (Parnell) and three Labour members—Messrs. J. A. Lee (Auckland East), W. E. Parry (Auckland Central), and F. N. Bartram (Grey Lynn)— at Parliament Buildings, the discussion which followed showed that the bill in its published form will meet with stern 1 opposition at every stage. A further conference was held at 11 a.m. to-day. The proceedings, of course, were secret. Mr. Dickson stated yesterday in an interview with the "Star's" Parliamentary reporter that he would not attend this morning's conference, since he had made his position clear to the Auckland delegation, and had no further time to give to the matter. Objection is taken to the proposal that the life of the Transport Board should be six years—three years longer than that of Parliament itself —and that the board would not be elected by the people. Mr. Dickson told the Mayor that he would not object to a small bill of some half dozen clauses, giving authority for a poll to ascertain the wishes of the people concerning the proposal to hand over the trams to a controlling body, and making provision for the election of the board should the first referendum be carried. He said he did not care whether the election of the board was by ratepayers only, or on the basis of the Parliamentary franchise, bo long as the people elected the board. The delegation was informed that the six years* life of the proposed board, as suggested, would be fought at every stage, and the proposal that the board be nominated would likewise provoke strong- opposition. "For my part," said Mr. Dickson, "I would stonewall all night rather than see the bill go through in its present form. All that is wanted is a little bill, giving provision for the referendum and the election of the board. Further necessary powers could be given in a bill next session." No Compromise Reached. This morning's conference was protracted. Mr. V. H. Potter (Roskill) was among those present, but Mr. A. Harris (Waitemata), who is not interested, Mr. M. J. Savage (Auckland West), who will be absent from Wellington- till tomorrow, and Mr. J. S. Dickson (Parnell), who was presiding at a meeting of a select committee, did not attend. The conference was held in private, but a statement made afterwards by the Auckland Labour members to a "Star" representative was that the air had been considerably cleared, a conciliatory spirit had been much in evidence, and the discussion had been most amicable. Both ] sides now know where they stand, but' no compromise has been arrived at. "It would be going too far," said one member, "to report that a compromise concerning the terms of the bill was even suggested. There has simply been an exchange of views. The Auckland delegation will come back to us at 11 o'clock to-morrow, after discussing the whole situation in the light of our views, and it is possible that a compromise will be reached. We are not prepared at the momjßt to state for publication just what provisions we think should be embodied in the bill. Even the Mayor and his party do not know that." The view taken by the Prime Minister is that the proposed Transport Bill is exclusively a local measure, and unanimity among the Auckland members is essential if it is to pass this session.