TRANSPORT AMENDMENT

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20909, 14 September 1939, Page 2

TRANSPORT AMENDMENT

ISSUE OF DRIVERS’ LICENSES NO REGISTRATION OF BICYCLES (By Telegraph.—special to Times) WELLINGTON, Wednesday Amendments to the Transport Law Amendment Bill were explained by the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, during the second reading debate on the measure in the House of Representatives to-night. They were made as a result of consultation with members of the Opposition with a view to facilitating the passage of the Bill through the House. Mr Semple said it was proposed to drop the clause providing for motor drivers’ lioences to be issued by registrars or postmasters, and the clause providing that fees collected should be paid into the Consolidated Fund. The provison for the registration of bicycles was to be withdrawn. The clause dealing with road traffic was to be amended by providing that a traffic district should not comprise an area in excess of 15 miles from the post office of the borough in that area. It was also proposed to drop the clause gving the Minister power to prohibit the closing of roads by local bodies. “In the existing circumstances it is necessary and desirable that the legislation dealing . with goods services, taxi services and ancillary users should come into effect forthwith, and the commencing date has therefore been eliminated,” Mr Semple said. “In connection with the dropping of the clause dealing with drivers’ licence fees, all admit that it is only reasonable and fair that these moneys should be largely used for traffic enforcement. Attitude Appreciated “I propose to arrange for circulars to be sent to all counties placing the position before them. It is expected that a satisfactory response will be received from the local bodies.” The Bill was read a second time without further discussion. In committee Mr S. G. Holland (Opposition —•Christchurch North) expressed appreciation of the conciliatory manner in which the Minister had met the Opposition which, he thought, the Minister would agree, had been very reasonable in its requirements. On behalf of some 4U.000 or 50,uu0 cyclists in Christchurch and midCanterbury he expressed appreciation of the withdrawal of the registration proposal. The Bill was passed.