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In estimating overhead expenses the conventions adopted by the Goods Service Charges Tribunal have been used. The relatively static nature of the running-expenses is due to the reduction in tire prices and an increase in mechanics' wages affecting repairs and maintenance. Standing charges have increased as a result of amendments to the Motor-drivers award. J. TRANSPORT CO-ORDINATION COUNCIL The Transport Act, 1949, established a Co-ordination Council for the purpose of ma.Vmg inquiries into any matters relating to public transport referred to it by the Hon. the Minister of Transport, or which it, itself, considered warranted investigation Reports and recommendations resulting from these inquiries were to be forwarded to the Hon. the Minister of Transport. The Council consisted of the following members Mr. G. L. Laurenson, Commissioner of Transport (Chairman). Mr. F. W. Aickin, General Manager, New Zealand Railways Department. Mr. W. C. Smith, Secretary to the Marine Department. Mr. J. Cummings, Commissioner of Police. Sir Leonard Isitt, Chairman of Directors, National Airways Corporation. Captain S. Holm, Wellington, Shipowners' Federation. Mr. L. B. Hutton, Wellington, local authorities and public bodies who are owners of transport. Mr. F. G. Tebay, Napier, private owners of passenger transport services. Mr. C. J. Mahon, Auckland, private owners of goods transport services. Mr. J. C. Adams, Wellington, Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc.). Mr. J. A. Barton, Frankton Junction, railway workers' organizations. Mr. F. P. Walsh, maritime workers' organizations. Mr. P. S. Hanson, Wellington Tramways Union. Mr. A. C. Melville, Wellington Drivers' Union. Mr. W. W. Hynes, Palmerston North, persons employed in the Air transport industry. The inaugural meeting of the Council was held on 28th September, 1949, consideration being given to the question of long-distance road passenger services, the responsibility of taxi companies regarding hirings requested by telephone, and the best means of achieving the objectives relating to transport regulation set out in section 36 of the Transport Act, 1949. Three sub-committees were set up to investigate in detail specific aspects of the problems under consideration. RETAIL DELIVERY SERVICES During the year adequate petrol has been made avilable for retail delivery services and every assistance has been offered to further the expansion of these facilities. An improvement in retail delivery services available to the public, particularly in rural areas, has been effected during the year.

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