"VICIOUS PROPAGANDA"

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 760, 5 September 1929, Page 11

"VICIOUS PROPAGANDA"

MR. ALLUM HITS HARD AT TRANSPORT CRITICS CHAIRMAN IN FIGHTING MOOD "The chief difficulty facing the Transport Board today is political,” said the chairman of the board, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, at this afternoon’s luncheon of the Chamber of Commerce, in making a fighting counter-attack to recent criticism of the board and himself. ‘‘l am not referring to the vapourings of politicians a long way off,” he remarked. "The difficulties of the board are added to because of the activities of a very small minority of persons v/hose object is to create discord and dissension. “ ANY unjust criticism will be vigor-'‘--'-ously assailed, and I am not going' to tolerate any more of the vicious propaganda which has been levelled against the board during the last few weeks. lam out, so long as I hold my present office, to protect what the public owns,” said Mr. Allum, amid applause. He was satisfied the vast majority of business men, and In fact, of the general public, realised the difficulties confronting the board. The policy of irritation carried on in some quarters was contrary to the best interests of the service, and the board was going to meet it strongly. It was important that the transport system should have the sympathetic understanding of the business community, said Mr. Allum. Its difficulties could be appreciated better by business men than by other .sections of the people, because of the expert knowledge of those engaged in commerce. DUTY TO THE PUBLIC The board bad a duty to the public to provide adequate transport, and it was always sympathetic toward private enterprise. Mr. Allum did not want to criticise or question such enterprise. Personally he was in favour of private operators.

There were many services run by private owners in the earlier days which could not be maintained and the board had now to come to the rescue. The result was that there were many weak services which had to be carried ou the back of the stronger. In brief, the policy of the board Was to provide maximum facilities at a minimum of cost. The undertaking must stand on its own feet and there could be no levy on cost to ratepayers. The board was not and should not be out to make profits, but simply to make ends meet. “There has been no conflict between the board and private owners,” remarked the speaker. “Relations have always been cordial and we try to give sympathetic consideration to requests for private services in the suburbs." On the question oi overcrowding of trams and buses, Mr. Allum said the blame for present conditions must really lie with ratepayers, who, two years ago had turned down loan proposals which would have provided more vehicles. The position would shortly be relieved now that 25 new cars were building and others would follow. The first would be on the road in February. In the meantime the board had to permit crowding, but dangerous overloading would be prevented where possible. THE OMNIBUS ACT Commenting on criticism .of the Motor Omnibus Traffic Act Mr. Allum remarked that the legislation did not apply only to Auckland. Thinking people would realise that transport services existing before the Act came into force must be protected. In any case, bus owners were also protected where adequate services were given because wasteful competition was eliminated. NOT DOMINATED BY COUNCIL “It is utterly rediculous to state that the Transport Board is dominated by the City Council,” declared Mr. Allum. “A jjerusal of the division lists of debates proves the absurdity of that,” the chairman declared. “We are ail out for the greatest good for the greatest number.” Referring to the charge that the board was wedded to track trams, Mr. Allum said the policy of the board was not confined to the use of trams. Such form of transport, however, was peculiarly suited to a hilly place like Auckland, which were far more economical to operate than buses. Trackless trams were not regarded as a joke, but there were many engineering difficulties which for the most part precluded their use. On the problem of the reduction in revenue Mr. Allum said that when a business firm met -with periods of loss of revenue it was quite possible, though unpleasant, to pass dividends. The board, however, could not pass over its annual liabilities. Heavy sinking fund charges had to be met irrespective of whether the revenue was buoyant or otherwise. Nevertheless, in 10 years’ time the board would have repaid the original loan of £1,250,000 incurred in the purchase of the tram system. FLAT RATE SCHEME

Much had been said of a flat rate in fares, continued Mr. Allum. If the public wanted such a system it would be a splendid thing for the board, but he was doubtful if such a thing would be accepted. The universal fare would be threepence, children excepted. At present 22,500,000 people only used one section and for them the flat rate would mean an increase of 50 per cent. A total of 15,000,000 travelled two sections and the increase would be 33 1-3 per cent. The 20,000,000 passengers travelling longer distances would, of course, benefit in varying degrees at the expense of the short-distance passengers.