FARMERS' TRUCKS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 137, 4 August 1941, Page 5

FARMERS' TRUCKS

OBJECTION TO REGULATIONS DIFFICULTIES CAUSED BY IMPRESSMENT That the Transport regulations should be so amended l as to al'« low a farmer to have his carting done by a neighbour if desired: where he had lost his own vehicle by impressment was the unanimous opinion of the Bay of Plenty sub-provincial executive of the Farmers' Union at the meeting held' at Edgecumbei on Thursday. The existing Transport Regulations were the subject of considerable adverse comment by members. Mr Clark, of Katikati, raised Ihe point in a letter stating that many farmers AA r ere in the jjosi'tion of having lost their trucks and yet were, unable to have their goods carried by a neighbour who stall had his vehicle. He added that the man avUli the truck was frequently able and willing to do the work. The secretary read a letter from the Dominion secretary which stated that farmers could assist their neighbours in such manner so long as no payment Avas received and Mr Clark then quoted an instance Avhere one man Avas the owner of a truck and would have done his brother's carrying for the benzine costs but was not permitted to do so. The secretary: The Transport Authority is merely a carriers protection agency. Another member pointed out that lie had wished to have manure carried bjr a enighbour, it being convenient for both to be taken togethl er but the Transport Officer had refused permission stating that there were carriers in the district, it was their living and he had to see thai they obtained such living. "The trouble is that most carriers are Labourites and the Transport Department object is to see that 'they get as much money out of the farmers as they can—another way of fleecing the farmer." It Avas decided that a remit go forward that Avhere afrmers have had. their trucks impressed then they be permitted to the use of their neighbour's truck.