THE TRANSPORT BILL

Hokitika Guardian, 12 September 1929, Page 3

THE TRANSPORT BILL

A DIFFICULT MEASURE,

SOUTH ISLAND BOARD DOUBTFUL

WELLINGTON, Sept. 9

The Government's Bill dealing with transport is expected to make its appearance towards the end of the week The subject has been extremely difficult to handle, and its an open secret that the measure, which is in charge of the Hon. W. A. Yeitch, Minister oi Transport, lias had to receive a considerable amount of attention from Cabinet.

One of the problems has been that of the Highways Board constitution. The Government party included in its election pro rarame a promise of a separato Highways \ Board for the South Island. However there have been fairly positive signs that this change would not he welcomed by a majority of South Island motorists or local bodies. Report has it that on looking into details of the organisation necessary to establish a Sfrnth Island Highways Board, it was found that administration would not be particularly improved but there would be a definite Micrease of several thousand of pounds in expenditure on staff, which would have to come out ol South Island appropriations. Tile probability is that when the Bill is introduced it will be found that the;. Main Highways Board is to lie, retained with’, however important changes in its constitution so as more equit ally to repr.'svit +he tax-pay tag interests cen‘ributing to the board’* large revenue. South Tsalnd opinion on the point will be given a chance of expression after tine introduction of tlie measure, as it will be referred to a Select Committee, for taking evidence.

The Transport Bill involves so many important principles that it is likely to become almost as controversial as land legislation. It is said to be vei*y comprehensive, as it will confer on the Minister of Transport the necessary powers to enable him to administer all matters connected wi th motoring, which havQ had to be regulated in the past, and secure a greater degree of co-ordination in the process. It will contain within its provisions all the legislation and powers relating to road transport services on the Statute Book, with necessary amendments to bring them under the control of the Transport Department. SOME MISTAKEN IDEAS. As a foretaste of the eventful career of the Bill when if comes before the Legislature and the public, gome criticisms have already appeared in print, based on'what the Minister informs a “Times” correspondent are, completely wrong assumption of its, contents.

When Mjr Veitch was asked to indicate exactly what the Bill contains he was, reticent, but he agreed that, to prevent misconceptions, it was desirable to correct what has already; gained circulation. He took exception to a statement that chief the changes said to bp brought about by the Transport Bill is an alteration in the control of the Highways Board,, which will be taken from the Public Works Department.

“The originator of that statement,”, commented Mr Veitch, ‘can scarcely know anything about the present law for. as a matter of fact, the Highways Board is in no way controlled at present by the Public Works Deportment T +. iq true that the board employs the •Public Works Department to do its work, but the board functions, entirely independent, of the Public Works Department.” Another statement is that motorists feel the proposed change to be an unfortunate .proposal. “How,” asked the Minister, “can motorists feel anything about the subject when they do not know the proposals? They have not yet been, communicated to motor organisations, though in due course these bodies will have an opportunity to consider the \J3ill and make their representations. Meanwhile, .as they do not know its contents, they have wisely refrained from expifessing opinions!. However; I have no doubt, regarding the origin of this criticism, though it is not what motorists feel.”

“Nobody,” added Mr Veitch, “can be caught unawares over this legislation, for it will be referred to a Select Committee to take evidence and wo hope to evolve a measure of real value, which will assist in the smooth working of the law relating to a valuable and rapidly developing industry.”