TRANSPORT BILL

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 44, 14 October 1931, Page 6

TRANSPORT BILL

SECOND READING MR. C. H. CLINKARD EXPECTS THAT MEASURE WILL BE PASSED. UNECONOMIC COMPETITION The position with regard to the Transport Bill, in which much interest is being taken and which is of the utmost importance to many business firms at present operating, is that it has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives and will now be reprinted to allow amendmynts to he embodied in the bill. Mr. C. H. Clinkard> M.P., expressed the opinion to the "Post" that he anticipated the bill being passed without trouble. Speaking to the second reading, Mr. Clinkard said: — "In the fir^t session of this Parliament a bill was brought down embodying all that is contained in this measure, and a very great deal besides. I was chairman of the committee which considered that measure and I was also a member of the committee which recently took evidence on it, and I propose to give a faw extracts from evidenee that was given. The Bill is designed for the purpose of co-ordinating traffic, and more particularly to control that cutthroat competition which has led to bankruptcy of those engaged in motor transport all over the Dominion. It has been said that on the Hutt Road taxi-cabs are plying for hire for ls 6d return between Wellington and Hutt, and the owners are making it pay. I am prepared to say that they are doing neithef more nor less than living on their capital. It cannot be made to pay at such a price. That figure will barely pay working expenses, much less meet the tremendous charges for depreciation which have to be met in connection with motor transportation. Cities' Objection. • The strongest objection to the measure has been raised by the cities, which have their own licensing boards or organisations. It appears to arise from a fear that the Board which may be set up under the Bill may not show them the generous treatment which they would be prepared to give to themselves in competition with any other enterprise. However, I think that that can be very well got over, although I do not think there is any need for anxiety on the part of the civic authorities. In giving evidenee before the committee one lori-y owner, in referring to the traffic by road between Palmerston North and Wellington, complained of the unfmancial competitors who acquired motor lorries for a few pounds down, and after running for a year or two at any prices at all — thus smashing the men competing with them — they would themselves finally go bankrupt. That is going on all over the Dominion. This witness favoured the registration of hire purchase agreements, and I think there is something in the argument. He said that the road could not carry the traffic that the railways could carry, and pointed out that it would take 80 motor lorries to convey

the goods that the train could carry so that the motor services could not take over all the transport work. He added that his firm would have carried thousands of tons more had the railways not reduced their freights, and that the railways would always be a material faetor in heavy traffic. His prices were not lower than those of the railways, but he did not cater for low-freighted goods. Stronger Highways. He asked for stronger highways, so that heavier lorries could be used. Those points are interesting as showing the views of a witness interested in motor transport. The witnesses gave general approval to the Bill, but many of them asked that it should operate three months earlier than the date prescribed. I believe that the final draft leaves the date open. I trust that the measure will become law as soon as possible. Nothing gave I me greater regret than that the bill that was introduced two years ago j did not reach the State Book in toto. j Had all the provisions been accepted i the saving to the country would have | been at least £1,000,000. I Mr. Veitch: "Far more." J Mr. Clinkard: "Yes, even more." In addition many bankruptcies might have been averted had the controlling provisions been in operation. It is suggested that, if possible, a magistrate should be the chairman of local licensing boards and that a judge of the Supreme Court should preside over the central authority. An impartial judicial body is essential because rival interests will be concerned, and .confidence on the part of the public must be inspired in the administration of the measure. I believe that can be achieved and that this legislation will prove to be of the greatest advantage to the Dominion.