OMNIBUS OWNERS

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 185, 2 May 1940, Page 10

OMNIBUS OWNERS

Meeting Of New Zealand . Association A steady growth in membership was reported'by the president, Mr. D. F. Smillie (Palmerston North), at the annual meeting of Hie New Zealand Motor Omnibus Proprietors’ Association ami conference of operators field in Wellington recently. Government regulations making it compulsory for all operators to be members ol their appropriate association* .were likely to result in a further increase, he said. • ■ , A letter was received from tlie tomniissioucr of scttiiia out the accident rate for the various classes ol motor vehicles, and this showed the Zealand omnibus class as being the lowest in New Zealand and possibly the world. , . , i J ,, i Tlie association was invited by the Commissioner of Taxes to make submissions concerning a proposal to vary the present method of allowing depreciation on plant ami machinery, including motor vehicles. Members agreed Unit the present basis, which had become universal with transport, operators, was tlie best from all points of view; They also desired the present rates to be maintained. Written submissions were drawn up on belialt of the association ami these have been submitted to Hie Commissioner of Taxes. Delegates from tlie meeting waited on the Commissioner of Transport, ami discussed matters of importance concerning the industry. It was stated that operators hud already done everything possible to reduce petrol consumption and assist Hie Government in its endeavours to conserve petrol supplies, and that little by the wav of further reduction in consumption could be expected from tlie omnibus serThe commissioner agreed that tlie Omnibus Proprietors had done everything possible Io assist in Hie conseiiation of petrol and expressed tlie view that liHle if any further savings in their case could be expected. He said that as a war measure it might even be necessary to relax somewhat the regulations relating lo omnibuses, because in Hines ol national emergency heavier loads would hav> lo be carired on public transport vehicles if the aims in respect ol conservation of. petrol supplies were to be effective. . In again making representations illative to tlie basis of heavy frame lees, the president of the association drew attention to Hie basis as al, present applied to omnibuses. The commissioner, though agreeing that the omnibus proprietors had made out, a case for a review ot the basis of application ot fees, stated that no relief could be expected during the present stale of war. The election of officers of the assoeiation resulted: —President, Mr. IX Smillie. Palmerston North : vice-presi-dents, Messrs. N. B. Spencer (Auckland) “ml 1.. K. Lnitgesen (Christchurch), executive. Messrs. G. 8. Kirby (Dunedin). N Wileox (Gisborne). J. Nimoii (Havelock North). A. Bailey (Auckland); auditor. Mr. W. H. Nankervis; secretary, Mr. C. L. Bishop. ft was resolved that tlie formation of brunches of Hie association would >o approved should it lie considered Hie membership in any particular district and special circumstances warranted such a move.