TRANSPORT AFFAIRS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 March 1940, Page 8

TRANSPORT AFFAIRS

MEETING OF WAIRARAPA OPERATORS

BRANCH OF ALLIANCE FORMED. BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP. A general meeting of licensed carriers in the Wairarapa was held in the A. and P. Rooms. Masterton. to consider the establishment of a complete organisation for the district, consequent, on the requirement that all licensees are required to bo members of an appropriate carriers’ association. The meeting was convened by the New Zealand Road Transport Alliance and was presided over by the president of the alliance, Mi- J. B. Cullen, Ashburton. Over 40 operators were present, together with Mr J. Macfarlane Laing (Masterton) and Mr H. J. Knight (Wellington), general secretary of the Alliance.

Mr Cullen addressed to the meeting the necessity for unity in the interests of the industry and service to the public. The Alliance desired to assist in overcoming any difficulties whether in organisation or in the effective functioning of transport. Mr Knight said that compulsory membership brought responsibilities as well as benefits, the benefits of complete membership, adequate finance and control of the industiy by the industry, and the responsibilities of proper use of organisation to maintain a high standard of service and conditions within the industry. Mr L. Pearson, president of the Wairarapa Licensed Transport Federation, said on behalf of the federation that all operators were agreed on the necessity for a complete local organisation and also an affiliation with the national Alliance. The only difficulty was one of method, whether the established local federation should become the official body or whether a new start should be made with the Alliance. He emphasised the work done by the federation which had. however, in the interests of unity agreed to accept the decision of the meeting and co-operate in the organisation decided upon.

After full discussion it was decided to form a Wairarapa Branch of the New Zealand Road Transport Alliance, which was then duly established and the following officers elected: —President. Mr L. Pearson (Masterton): committee, Messrs Archer. Fairbrother, Gray. Harding. McLean. Shute. Thornton, Junr. (all of Masterton); Ryan. Eketahuna; Gleeson. Pahiatua: George. Martinborough; Mulvaney, Martinborough; Matson, Gladstone; Stewart, Grey town; secretary, Mr D. B. Curry.

Supper was provided by members and Mr Cullen outlined to the meeting the formation and operation of the coordination and amalgamation of carriers in his own district. The meeting terminated at a late hour with a vote of thanks to the chairman and the visitors.