COMPANY REPORTS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1927, Page 1

COMPANY REPORTS

WHITE STAR TOURIST SERVICES, LTD. Tho annual meeting of tho White Star Tourist Services, Ltd., was field at Nelson on September 14. Representatives were present from all parts of New Zealand. Air R. L. Wigley (Mount Cook Motor Company), president, was in the chair.

Tho Mayor of Nelson (Mr W. J. Moffatt) attended and extended a hearty welcome to the delegates. He stated that he believed the service was the largest in New Zealand, and no doubt it did valuable work in “ boosting ” New Zealand. Ho trusted that their deliberations while in Nelson would he to the advantage of the whole Dominion. Tlie president thanked the .Mayor for his welcome. The report and balance-sheet were discussed and adopted. The delegates discussed matters affecting its interests, such ns publicity, routes and licenses, insurance and legislation. It was decided, after several’ had spoken of the harmonious relationship existing with the Government Department and Thomas Cook and Son, that all other agencies should be deleted. There were anomalies in the agreements and the head of the Tourist Department should he approached with a view to securing a working proposition satisfactory to all concerned. The president reported on the insurance policy made in 1927 with the State Fire Insurance Department. Premiums amounting to approximately £3OOO had been paid, and when all j members had joined tho premiums j would reach £OOOO. The cars of mem-! bers insuring were covered up to £25,000 as to any one accident, thus protecting passengers travelling on members’ services. Insurance was a proper step, for the public must he protected, and the members agreed with tho Government’s policy in this matter. It was reported that deputations on various occasions had interviewed Ministers. Tlie anomalies existing to-day were being reviewed by the Government for simplicity of taxation, licenses, etc. If this were accomplished, Dominion transport and motor regulations would he advanced considerably. A resolution that:—‘‘The action of tho directors in securing amending legislation be approved, and that they bo urged to use every effort to secure unification of license, legislation am: equitable taxation.” was carried. , An arbitration committee was set up, to finalise any disputes as to routes, issuing of licenses, etc. Mr C. S. Thomas, the company’s solicitor, reported satisfactory settlements in all cases coming before the committee. Tlie following officers were elected: — President, Mr A. Burgess (Wanganui): chairman, Mr T. E. Robson (Christchurch) ; directors, Messrs A. S. Burgess, T. E. Robson, R. L. WigTey (Timai-u), L. C. Ryan (Rotorua), W. Moekett (Hanmer), T. Newman (Nelson) A Cleave (Auckland), J. T. Harvey (Napier). G. Gibson (New Plymouth) and W. Newman (Hokitika).