OMNIBUS SERVICES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 130, 2 May 1940, Page 11

OMNIBUS SERVICES.

PROPRIETORS CONFER. WELLINGTON. May 2. A steady growth in membership was reported by the president, Mr D. F. Smillie (Palmerston North), at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Omnibus Proprietors’ Association and conference of operators, held in ’Wellington. ■ Government regulations making it compulsory for all operators to he members of their appropriate associations were likely to result in a further increase, he said. A letter was received from the Commissioner of Transport setting out the accident rate for the various classes of motor vehicles, and this showed the omnibus (lass as ebeing the lowest in New Zealand and possibly the world. The association was invited by the Commissioner of Taxes to make submissions concerning a proposal to vary the present method of allowing depreciation on plant and machinery, including motor vehicles. Members agreed that the present basis, which had become universal with transport operators, was the best from all points of view. They also desired the present rates'to be maintained. Delegates waited on the Commissioner of Transport and discussed matters of importance concerning the industry. It was stated that operators had already done 'everything possible to reduce petrol consumption and assist the Government in its endeavours to conserve petrol supplies, and that little by the way of further reduction in consumption could be expected from the omnibus services. Ip again making representations relative to the basis of heavy traffic fees, the president of the association drew attention to the basis as at present applied to omnibuses. The commissioner, though agreeing that the proprietors had made out a case for a review of the basis of application of fees, stated that no relief could he expected during the present state of war, The election resulted:—President, Mr D. F Smillie (Palmerston North) ; vicepresidents, Messrs N. B. Spencer (Auckland) and L. K. Laugesen (Christchurch) ; executive, Messrs G. S. Kirby (Dunedin), N. Wilcox (Gisborne), J. Nimon (Havelock North), A. Bailey (Auckland). It was resolved that the formation of branches of the association would bo approved-should it bo considered the membership in any particular district and special circumstances warranted such a move.