HEAVY MOTOR TRAFFIC

Hokitika Guardian, 17 July 1923, Page 4

HEAVY MOTOR TRAFFIC

LORRY OWNERS HAH!) IHT. FIVE .MONTHS’ ENFORCED IDLENESS. (“ Wellington Post.") A deputation Irom the recently formed Mauawatii and West Coast Motor Transport Association waited upon the Hull County Council at its meeting at Wellington to protest against the'on fore emont of the heavy tea file by-law, which prevents a vehicle exceeding three tons weight (loaded or unloaded) or which exceeds a weight of ISO cwt. foi each pair of wheels Irom going to or from Wellington over the Pooka Idrib! Hill Hoad.' Mr E. ,). Patten said that the majority of the members of the association were returned soldiers who had bought their lorries on the hire purchase system, and were paying for them by instalments. The men had pill all their money into the business and tril-ted to their earnings to pay the money still outstanding. When the lurries were bought there uas no licit ifu at ion of any siieli limitation as had been enforced hy the ilutt (’■mnly ( elincil. The enforcement of the liyiaw meant flint they were prevented Irom earning a living for the next three months. The position was that unless some working agrement was come to with the County Council several of the members of the association would he faced with bankruptcy, total loss of all money invested and. in some cases inability to meet liabilities. In all cases it was simply taking from them the right to earn a living. In reply to a question as to whether the association was preparer! to contribute anything towards the upkeep of the road. Mr Patten said they were not in a position to make any ofler. Ninety -ter cent of the vehicles operating on the' west road were trom IV. tc: l-toii tare, ami carried a 4-ton net load, making a gross weight of approximately 8 tons. Councillors did not see how anything could lit' clone, hut the association is to lie given a reply as soon as I icissi hie.