Vehicle Testing Station Loan Is Approved

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31005, 10 March 1966, Page 14

Vehicle Testing Station Loan Is Approved

The Paparua County Council has been appointed agent for the Waimairi and Riccarton councils for all purposes in connexion with a joint special loan for the vehicle testing station for the three councils.

The County Clerk (Mr A. Kelly) told the council that the Local Authorities Loans Board had sanctioned a loan of £40,000 to build the testing station. He said that an Order in Council was expected before the end of March and suggested that tenders be called at an early date. A report from the engineer of the Waimairi council (Mr I. Calvert) said that his staff would be in a position to call tenders in two or three weeks. Mr Calvert said that in view of recent building and equipment costs, the total cost of the project could amount to between £42.000 and £43,000.

The Waimairi County Council was authorised to call separate tenders closing in midApril for the construction and supply of equipment and authority was given to group contracts in the most suitable manner.

The council was told that the Canterbury Savings Bank had offered to invest in the loan should finance be available. The council agreed that a formal approach be made to the bank and that a tentative approach be made to the National Provident Fund as an alternative.

The council also agreed to the installation of an inspection pit at the request of the Transport Department. Mr Kelly said the Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine) had advised that after the opening of the station, private garages authorised to issue warrants of fitness would have their authority withdrawn.

However, garages at Belfast would be permitted to issue warrants indefinitely, while those at Templeton and Prebbleton would be allowed to continue for 12 months after the opening of the testing station, when the position would be reviewed.