Company-Municipal Dispute Continues
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ATHIRD day was devoted, last Friday, by the North-Western Traffic Commissioners, to the hearing of identical applications by Stockport Corporation and the • North-Western Road Car Co., Ltd., for power to • run a new bus service across Stockport from Mile End to Green End, with the prospect of an extension to Manchester.
The issue involves the interpretation of an agreement between the two parties.
Mr. George Cardwell, chairman, and Mr. J. W. Womar, general manager of the North-Western concern, both gave evidence to the effect that the agreement was made to protect the company's part in the co-ordinated scheme of transport throughout Stockport and to provide for co-ordination in the future extensions.
Mr. L. W. Heeler, assistant town clerk of Stotkport, asked where in the agreement was a word to that effect. He admitted that the corporation granted licences to the North-Western company to run buses through Stockport, on condition that the tram fares were protected, and that when the municipality began to run buses, it superimposed services upon those of the "North-Western.' ' Much has been said about the injustice of this procedure. Mr. W. Chamberlain, chairman of the Commissioners, stressed the policy of the Commissioners that the operator already engaged upon the route should have the first opportunity of making any extension that, in the circumstances, might be required.
The case for the corporation is that it is the right authority to provide transport for Stockport residents, and that when the " North-Western " first obtained licences from the corporation, there was a definite indieation that the company desired to cater only for longdistance traffic.
The hearing was adjourned.