LATE NEWS FROM THE TRAFFIC AREAS
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Co-operative Societies' ,Coach Services.
During the past week the South Eastern Commissioners have given their decision on the application by the Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society. Ltd. The argument had been submitted that in spite of having agreed to minimum fares approved by the Metropolitan Commissioner the society could undercut other operators because its members, in buying tickets, obtained dividends. Mr. Rowand Harker. the chairman, said, "It is an argument which could apply to any trade activities of this co.-operative society. We are not prepared at present to differentiate between its trading activities in the ordinary sense and its activities as a trans port: undertaking. It would certainly appear that the society is in a position more favourable from the paint of view of fares than its competitors." Applications to run to Herne Bay, Southsea, Bournemouth and Paignton were refused, a reference being made to the adequacy of the railway services. Licences for daily summer services to Margate, Ramsgate, Hastings, Eastbourne, Brighton, Worthing, Littleharepton and Bognor, as well as for excursions and tours, were granted, but an extension beyond October 31st was refused as being " entirely unjustified."
• A Western Area Appeal.
Last Tuesday Mr. A. T. V. Robinson heard, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, the appeal' of Messrs. Merritt and Reyne, of Minchinhampton, near Strend, against the refusal of the Western Traffic Commissioners of their application for • a road-set`vice licence for operation between 8troud and Gloucester. The decision was reserved.
London-Newcastle Coach Fares.
The Northern Traffic Commissioners have dealt with a representation made by the Northern Road Transport Owners' Association, Ltd., suggesting a standardized return fare of 35s. for the London-Newcastle coach services. At a previous sitting the Commissioners had fixed minimum fares of 20s. single and 32s, 6d. return and they decided not to alter this decision. At this sitting an application by Messrs, Orange Bros., of Bedlington, for an express GlasgowNewcastle-Scarborough service, was refused, as was one by Mr, A, Straker, of Gateshead, for a service of six or seven-seaters between Newcastle and Blackpool. The Northern Area Commissioners are now beginning to get the difficult problem of minimum fares well under control and undesirable competition is being gradually eliminated.