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Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1931, Page 4

A number of important amendments. to the Transport Licensing Bill have 1 been proposed by the Select Committee which heard evidence on the measure. Originally the hill was to operate on March 31 next, but the committee has inserted a clause making tins the latest date for its operation, and providing that an earlier date may be fixed by Order-in-Council. In determining applications for licenses, the licensing authority may consider representations contained in any petition from 50 or more residents of a district affected. The committee has amended the number to 25 and given a specific direction that applicants for licenses shall have an opportunity to reply to such representations. The list of preferences for license has been extended to include cases where the applicant is a local authority or other public body carrying on a transport service, and contemplates a new service wholly within its Own district. Appeals to the Central Appeal Board from a direction of a local licensing authority may be made by petition of 25 or more residents of the area affected. In the section covering the licensing of goods services, the committee has deleted a clause em. powering the licensing authority in the case of services conducted wholly or partly for carriage of goods, to call on the owner to show cause why the service should not be licensed as a goods service The clause prohibiting proceed ngs in any Court in respect of any decision by the licensing authorities, the Transport Appeal Board, or the Minister of Transport, has also been deleted. A clause dealing with local authorities’ powers to fix stands or stopping-place for vehicles plying for hire has been redrafted so as to enable any licensee who is aggrieved hv the local body’s decision to apply to the licensing authority for modification or removal of the restriction.' The licensing authority is to consult the local body in dealing with the matter, and its decision will .be subject to the general procedure for appeal, contained in the bill.