ROAD COMPETITION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 September 1939, Page 4

ROAD COMPETITION

RAILWAYS DEPARTMENT LORRIES ON TOWN DELIVERY. CRITICISM BY THE MAYOR. Exception to the huge Railway Department lorries delivering to shops and houses in Masterton was taken by the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, at a sitting of the No. 2 Licensing Authority (Mr J. P. D. Skoglund) at Masterton yesterday. “Masterton ratepaying carriers are not being given a fair deal and they are being driven out of business by these long range haulers owned by the Railways Department” said Mr jordan.

“They drive thundering big lorries that don’t pay licence fees and whose only contribution to the town’s welfare is the ruination of the roads. These vehicles park in the main streets six or seven feet away from the kerb, which does not help the traffic problems in main streets.

“I consider that these lorries should not be allowed to deliver goods and park all over the town. They should deliver their goods to a central depot from where lighter trucks would carry out the work of delivery to houses and shops. This would at least give bona fide carriers an opportunity of earning a living,” concluded Mr Jordan. “I quite agree.” said Mr Skoglund. “We are now working toward that end, and I hope that when the present conditions have passed we shall be able to do something of that nature. I shall certainly refer the text of your remarks to the Minister."