ROAD CO-ORDINATION

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 452, 8 June 1937, Page 5

ROAD CO-ORDINATION

GOVERNMENT TO TAKE OVER SERVICES PURCHASE OFFICERS APPOINTED Negotiations Commence Immediately Press Association —Copyright. Wellington, June 8. An announcement in connection with the Government’s proposal to take over road freight services under its policy of transport co-ordination was made to-day by Hon. R. Semple, who also outlined the machinery for the taking over of these services. Two purchase officers have Seen appointed, and any dispute will he settled by a tribunal, the personnel of which is Sir Francis Frazer, chairman; Mr L. H. Heslop, public accountant, Wellington, representing road transport interests, and Mr S. S. Millington, representing the Railways Department.

The Purchase Officers appointed are: Mr H. Valentine, second assistant general manager, N.Z. Railways, and Mr J. D. Brosnan, land purchase officer, Public Works Department. The purchase officers will be assisted by an Investigating accountant from the Treasury Department, and' three officers experienced in the construction and operation of motor vehicles. Mr Semple said that a careful examination had been made, embracing the whole field of road and rail competition, and it had been decided to commence negotiations with the following services, the schedules all operating over relatively long distances, the longest being Wellington to 'New Plymouth, and the shortest Wellington to Featherston, a distance of 42 miles.

A start will be made with the service from Auckland to Whangarei. Services running out from Auckland will be dealt with next, while those running out from Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, will be dealt with in 'that order. In cases' where the operators are agreeable to enter into negotiations, every endeavour will be made to have them completed as soon aS possible. In cases where the operators are not agreeable to negotiate, consideration of the application for renewal of existing licenses will be proceeded with as provided in the Transport

Licensing Act. Mr Semple said an effort had been made to create the Impression that employees of services taken over will suffer. “I want to make it. quite clear thalt the Government is desirous of seeing that no employee will suiter anything in the way of hardship, and every efJort will be made to continue the employment of those

attested, or, failing that, to provide other work -for them,” stated the Minister.