STRANDED PORT BOWEN

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20919, 26 September 1939, Page 9

STRANDED PORT BOWEN

ATTEMPT ON SATURDAY (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WANGANUI, Tuesday The cargo from the Port Bowen has now been removed from the bow, and the vessel is being steadily turned seaward in readiness for the effort to be made on Saturday to tug her off. Government to limit taxi services, but throughout New Zealand co-ord-ination in each town, as had already been achieved in Hamilton, would be necessary. Town carriers would have come under the Transport Department for the first time. Groups would be desirable, preferably based on existing larger businesses. There might be some absorption of firms by other firms, but tfie interests of all operators would have to be guarded. Financing Scheme A new licence fee would be payable. Operators who had paid fees up to May 31 next would probably secure a refund of a certain proportion next year. Rental cars would be treated like taxis from the point of view of petrol allowance, but a reduction of fleet and a limitation of present petrol consumption would be desirable. The present petrol restrictions would probably for some time to come, but if the transport industry put its house in order it would be the last to have supplies cut out in the event of an unforseen emergency. There would be compulsory membership of the organisation controlling the district which would provide the funds to carry out the Government’s plans, said Mr Knight. Referring to the petrol tax and any additions which might come, Mr Knight said the Licencing Authority would view applications for increased schedules of charges in the light of dearer petrol, but the Government was anxious that prices should not rise unduly. It was hoped to keep them down by means of the greater efficiency which must result from proper co-ordination. Unanimous approval was given by the meeting to a resolution which endorsed all that had been done in the matter of planning the co-ord-ination of the industry and agreed to co-operate with the Govermnent in every way possible.