GOODS SERVICES

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 91, 11 January 1935, Page 10

GOODS SERVICES

Refusal of Licenses at Auckland

“THE RIGHT THING”

Onus Thrown on Transport Appeal Board

By Telegraph.—Press Association.

Hastings, January 10,

“Mr. Allum has done tiie right thing m throwing on the Transport Appeal Board the onus of interpreting section 26 of the Act,” said Mr. F. B. Logan, ex-chairman of No. 4 Transport Authority, in commenting on the decision of the chairman of No. 2 Transport Licensing Authority. Mr. J. A. C. Allum, in connection With 29 applications for goods services between Auckland and southern districts Out of 29 applications that came before the authority only three were granted outright. ’ Thirteen were declined, and in the case'of the other 13 their route licenses to Auckland were declined, but they were granted , a license within 'heir own restricted areas“Without any definite information to go on, I would say nevertheless that the Railways Board has taken its gloves off, and will seize every opportunity of contesting the granting of licenses in districts in which it is interested. I have long been convinced that this would be a year in which the fight would begin in earnest. I think the Railways Board will undoubtedly put up a very hard fight. Literal Interpretation. “It appears to me Mr. Allum has formed the opinion that the letter of rhe law should be obeyed, and that he has interpreted section 26 literally. It will soon be seen whether the Transport Appeal Board intends to interpret. the Act leniently, or to carry it out to the letter.”

It appeared to him that the elasticity allowed local authorities in making decisions in the past was to be done away with and their administration tightened up. The Railways Board appeared to be at the bottom of the matter. Much had been done in recent years in the scrapping of railways. It seemed more might profitably be done, and that the country needed to find some more economical system of running its transport services. Agreement With Principle. Mr. A. A. Sinclair, traffic manager of the Richardson Shipping Company, operating coast vessels, expressed agreement with the principle of Mr. Allum’s decision. Motor transport, he said,-had taken away the cream of the trade from shipping aiid railways'. Mr. T. W. Hercock. managing director of the Hawke’s Bay-Welling-ton Transport Company, running express night services, said: "Det it suffice that the public decides for itself which class of service is required. We are indeed surprised to hear the opinion expressed by the Auckland authority and sympathy offered the shipping industry. Let the Auckland authority take the matter to the Northern Steamship Company and hear its opinion on the competition between that company and the railways even where no road services operate. This would open the eyes of the public.”

CHRISTCHURCH VIEW An Unexpected Decision By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, January 10. ‘‘This is murder,” declared the Hon. W. Hayward, M.L.C., manager of Rink Taxis, Limited, commenting on the decision of the No. 2 Transport Licensing Authority in abolishing a number of through goods services by road in the Auckland district. ‘‘Only three granted out Of 29 applications—it is slaughter,” said Mr. Hayward. "No one ever expected anything like this. The opposite view ha:s been taken in Christchurch by the licensing authority. I don't think this wholesale refusal of licenses should bo tolerated for a moment. It is most unjust.” Another business man said that public opinion would not allow the decisions to stand. They appeared to be ridiculous. ’The Auckland authority had been the most drastic of the lot. WHOLESALE APPEAL LIKELY Decisions Regarded Seriously By Parties Affected By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, January 10. The decisions of the No. 2 Transport Licensing Authority, refusing licenses to a number of companies and individuals engaged in the long-dis-tance road transport of goods to and from Auckland, arc regarded very seriously by those concerned in the business. ’The opinion was expressed that the authority's decisions were so drastic and far-reaching that they c-ould not be allowed to stand. It seems likely that an appeal will tie lodged by everyone whose license lias been refused. A period of 21 days is allowed for this. AUCKLAND-TAUPO ' SERVICE Appeal Being Heard By Telegraph - Press Association. Auckland, Jam.ary 1(1. An appeal against (he refusal of No. 2 Licensing Authority to grant a license for a road freight service between Auckland mid-Taupo was heard by the 'l’ransport Co-ordination Board. Under the provisions of the Act. by which an appellant company has the right to continue its service until the appeal is heard, the company has been able to carry on its service since July, 193;;. Mr. Justice Frazer, acting-chairman of the board, presided. After argument had been heard the .hearing was adjourned for a week, .when the views of Taupo residents will be heard. The appellant was the Auckland-Taupo Transport Company, Limited. The appeal was opposed by the Railways Board, the Waikato and Waipa County Councils, Ihe Matamata Couniy Council. and the Rotorua-Taupe Freight Company.