TRANSPORT PROBLEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1929, Page 2

TRANSPORT PROBLEMS

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, .June L2. Important aspects of the transport problem were dealt with by lion. \\ . A. Vcitch at the inaugural meeting i of the Transport Advisory Council ’to-day. He announced the Government had decided to postpont consideration ol questions of motor taxation until such time as further statistical information was available and the country s financial position was improved. Tho only member not present -was Mr Halliday (Dunedin). South Island Motor Union representative, who "as delayed by the late arrival of the ferry steamer. Mr Veitch said the principal laid down by him in determining the constitution of the Council had been as follows:—It was not intended that if should be a well balanced conflict of interests or well balanced struggle between conflicting interests. It was intended to he, and he sincerely believed it was. a council consisting of men who bail knowledge and expel-J ieuce of the motor transport business j

ill every one of its phases. Those sitting at the Council table could speak as experts on every feature of tin; transport problem that could cook before the Council. He knew over % \ member would rise far above section i ed interests and i (insider every problem from a. national point of view. Mr Vcitcli then made his state meat regard in." taxation and said the payment of heavy traffic fees had been arranged quarterly. This left it open to make any concession or increase in regard to any feature of more taxation, and to do it all at once. Postponement for say six months could •do no harm. The Minister explained M,r Par lane’s position as a member of tin Council. lie said it seemed to be ii some minds that Mr Parlane rep re seated a political section of the peo;l< hut that was not so. Me represented wage earners engaged in the transport industry. 'They were entitled to a spokesman. After declarin' l, there was a futurt for both road and rail transport, Mr Vcitcli said so far as the 'Government was concerned the motor was entitled to its place in the general advancement of the Dominion, and no attempt would be made to suppress it in any way in the interests of the Kailwav Department or any other Department.