TRANSPORT LICENSING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 98, 31 August 1942, Page 5

TRANSPORT LICENSING

NO. 1 AUTHORITY

LOCAL SERVICES REVIEWED

Although he indicated that he did not think there would be many alterations made in the existing transport licenses serving Whakatane and its adjoining districts Mr J. Phelan, chairman of the No. 1 Licensing Authority, last Thursday warned all drivers and proprietors that the service net work through the Province was to be drastically overhauled. He promised ■due consideration to all the cases heard that day. For J. jVleCombs' service Jo the Paper Mills Mir Otley stated that the run coincided with the three shifts per day worked at the mill, plus a further trip for the office stafT. The chairman agreed that the bus was serving an essential industry. The railway feeder service from Whakatane to Whakatane West was next reviewed, the chairman agreeing that it was essential that, it should be maintained. A. E. Lovell's Tauranga service was described by Mr Otlev as vital to a big population which was not covered by the rail. Mr Lovcll also carried, meat, supplies and parcels for the settlers in areas which were otherwise isolated.

Mr R. F. Smith (representing the Whakatane Chamber of Commerce) said that the service enabled settlers to come to Whakatane to do their shopping, which would otherwise be impossible unless they were prepared to spend the night here. In the Thornton district people had grown to rely on the service for medicines and urgent goods. Representations were also made by the Tauranga of Commerce.

Mr Phelan: Is there any reason why the railway could not service this district? Mr Hannah: It .may bo compelled to take over later "on. Mr Phelan: It should be coordinated as part and parcel of the rail service. J. H. Hunt's Ruatoki service (Mr A. Bridger) was next considered, the chairman stating that he was conversant with the run and would not penalise the out-district settlers in that area.

Mr B. S. Barry appealed for G. Rid.dcll's Te Teko-Whakatanc and Matata,-Whakatane run, stating that in most respects the service filled an urgent need whereby district residents were enabled to do their weekly shopping oil Friday evening. Mr Phcl'an: We are not very sympathetic towards those runs that merely cater for a picture crowd.

Mr Barry went on to say that while it was probable many did attend the pictures the primary purpose was to enable the passengers to do their shopping. On all occasions the bus was crowded. „ The mileage traversed was 56 miles per day to Te Teko, and; 54 to Matata.

For M. K. Cave, Ohope Bcach, service, Mr C. A. Suckling appeared. The chairman agreed that it was obvious that the service would have to be preserved.