A BOMBSHELL.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 284, 18 April 1929, Page 5

A BOMBSHELL.

NEW TRANSPORT BOARD. Powers Over Road Traffic. Consternation, following the reading of a telegram by the clerk to the Matamata County Council on Friday, hushed the council chamber for a moment or two, while councillors collected their thoughts in a vain effort to place the Commissioner for Transport.

The telegram, which dealt with the classification of number 19 main highway, read as follows:

“ Re classification number nineteen main highway: Position is that owing to objections from many quarters matter has been held over until Commissioner of Transport able to look into this matter. This will now be done. Commissioner of Transport.”

Cr. Judd, who was the first to find his voice, remarked that he was firmly under the impression that the Transport Board was set up to control the traffic in towns, such as tramways, buses and the like.

Cr. Anderson stated that he knew the board had large powers, but did not think it would concern itself with small details like that. The matter had been discussed by the Counties’ Conference, when it was pointed out that they had only one representative on the board, and that motorists had large representation. Cr. Allen agreed with the latter remark, and stated it was a lop-sided board.

\ Cr. Judd reiterated that he had no idea the board had other powers than the regulation of town traffic, and he thought that was the general impression. “Who is the Commissioner?” “Where is the hoard?” “Has it met?” were a few of the questions which were then shot at the chairman. Cr. Anderson replied that he thought a permanent official had , been transferred from another department to the position of Commissioner to the new board, but he could . not think of his name. The board had not yet met though the preliminary organisation of it was under weigh. He again remarked that it was news to him that the board would concern itself with such details.

Cr. Allen: They apparently can over-rule the Highways Board. Cr. Judd again remarked that he thought few people realised that the Transport Board would have such jurisdiction and the matter then dropped.